KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 27

Manang Marshyangdi Club and Chyasal Youth Club registered victories in the Qatar Airways Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

MMC defeated Himalayan Sherpa Club 1-0 riding on solitary goal from Afeez Olawale Oladipo. The match was heading towards a draw before Oladipo produced a moment of brilliance to seal all three points his side.

Pujan Uperkoti took a short corner passing the ball to Nishan Limbu, who centred it for Oladipo to head home in the 84th minute.

MMC had earned the corner after Himalayan Sherpa goalkeeper punched out Deepak Rai's header on a cross from Nishan Limbu.

Earlier, MMC defender Dinesh Rajbanshi saved his side from going down when he cleared Ulrich Siewe's header in rebound after Himalayan Sherpa skipper Bishwo Limbu struck against the bar with a free kick in the 41st minute. MMC's Adelaja Somide headed wide following a pass from Dayananda Singh Elangbam in the 55th minute, while MMC striker put the ball into the nets but his goal was ruled offside a minute later. Himalayan Sherpa's Mutamba Pistone Vunyoli missed a chance in the 71st minute when he failed to beat MMC goalkeeper Bishal Sunar in one-on-one situation and shot over the bar.

MMC coach Rajendra Tamang said his side succeeded in scoring in the second half after the team changed the strategy. 'Himalayan Sherpa was looking for a point and they had not been able to put pressure on us,' he said. 'It was hard to penetrate as the opponents were defending deeply and we had to go through air to find the back of the nets,' he added. 'We were able to score as the opponents looked tired in the latter stage of the match.'

Himalayan Sherpa coach the team was on track. 'We can produce desired results if we continue playing like today,' said Rai. 'We are playing according to a plan and most importantly the players are disciplined. We have some problems in scoring and we need to improve on that front,' he added.

In another match, Chyasal Youth Club defeated Nepal APF Club 1-0.

After a goalless first half, Rumesh Bartaula put Chyasal ahead in the 49th minute. Bartaula slammed home a spectacular goal following a pass from Kamal Shrestha. APF goalkeeper Raju Yogi rescued his side in the 17th minute when he blocked Ajit Gurung's attempt.

APF's Rajan Gurung made a goalline clearance to deny Bikash Meraglia in the 41st minute, while Susan Lama's shot in rebound was saved by Sanish Shrestha.

Chyasal coach Bal Gopal Sahukhala lauded his youth players for good performance. 'We have given chance to youth players and the win has boosted the team's morale,' said Sahukhala. 'We had seen problems in set pieces in the previous match and the team seemed comfortable on that front in the match,' he added.

APF coach Kumar Thapa said his side badly needed the services of foreign players. 'We have already lost six points and the team is weak in finishing,' he said. 'I have already talked with my club and I believe four foreign players can make huge difference,' added the former star midfielder.

A version of this article appears in the print on November 28, 2021, of The Himalayan Times.