KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 20

Ruslan Three Star Club defeated neighbours Chyasal Youth Club 3-0 in the Qatar Airways Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

Nishan Khadka, Raphael Rim and Ananta Tamang scored a goal each - all in set pieces - for Three Star.

Khadka opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when he converted a free kick from outside the penalty area into a sensational goal.

Chyasal goalkeeper Pradeep Bhandari made a desperate attempt to punch the ball out but he failed to reach the ball despite making a right move.

Three Star doubled the lead moments before the first half whistle after Rim headed home on a free kick from Hemanta Thapa Magar. Tamang then made it 3-0 in the 58th minute. He connected to a free kick from Thapa Magar to put the ball into the far post.

Chyasal had a chance to level the score at 1-1 in the 26th minute but Three Star goalkeeper Yves Priso saved Bikash Meraglia. Chyasal had earned the spot kick after Three Star defender Ananta Tamang was adjudged to have fouled Meraglia inside the danger zone.

Earlier, Sankata Club and Himalayan Sherpa Club played a 1-1 draw at the same venue. After a goalless first half, Laxman Ruchal put Sankata ahead in the 60th minute when he found the back of the nets in rebound after Himalayan Sherpa goalkeeper Deep Karki spilled an attempt from Subash Gurung.

Sankata's joy did not last long as Himalayan Sherpa hit back with an equaliser four minutes later. Tridev Gurung headed home following a cross from Jeevan Gurung to level the scores.

Sankata coach Bishnu Gurung was satisfied with the overall performance of the team. 'This is my first experience in the top flight football and I am trying to implement something new with the team,' said Gurung. 'It will take time to set the team as we have new players in the squad,' he added.

Himalayan Sherpa coach Yugal Kishor Rai lauded his players discipline on the pitch. On Sunday, Nepal APF Club will take on Brigade Boys Club, while Manang Marshyangdi Club will play against Jawalakhel Youth Club.

A version of this article appears in the print on November 21, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.