KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 4

Franklin Kuete Talla scored a stunning goal deep into the injury time as Manang Marshyangdi Club salvaged a 2-2 draw against Sankata Club, while New Road Team and Chyasal Youth Club played a 1-1 stalemate in the Qatar Airways Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

At a time when the match was coming to its end, Talla produced the moment of brilliance moments before the final whistle when he slammed home an acrobatic volley from outside the penalty area to earn a draw for MMC.

Earlier, Sankata took the lead in the 31st minute through Neeraj Basnet's header from close following a free kick from Laxman Ruchal. MMC levelled the scores four minutes later when Dayananda Singh headed home on Pujan Uperkoti's free kick. Sankata restored the lead in the 71st minute after Uttam Rai headed home on Fode Fofana's cross and Talla made sure MMC walk away with a point with a spectacular goal in the injury time. MMC coach Rajendra Tamang said the team was not been able to perform as per the potential and plan. 'Sankata were far better than us despite not having star players in the team and we were lucky to get the equaliser in the injury time,' said Tamang. 'Our players have not been able to justify their duties. The pace is not up to the mark and we were also behind in ball possession. We have quality defenders in the team but we conceded both the goals due to the lack of coordination among them,' he added.

Sankata coach Bishnu Gurung rued the missed opportunity to pull off a shock win over a strong team like Manang. 'We are obviously sad that we had to share points but I am happy with the way my boys have been improving,' said Gurung. 'I am happy that the players have been able to implement the team strategy. The players are improving and it will take a bit time for them to deliver entertaining football,' he added.

In another match, Chyasal opened the scoring in the 44th minute when Rumesh Bartaula slammed home a volley after NRT's Messouke Etiegnie Oloumou failed to clear a free kick from Kamal Shrestha. Dipesh Ghale levelled the scores for NRT when he snatched the ball from Rajiv Lopchan and scored past Chyasal goalkeeper Arpan Karki in the 79th minute. Ghale had a chance to seal all three points for NRT in the 89th minute but his attempt was saved by Karki.

NRT coach Raju Kaji Shakya was satisfied with his team's performance and he lauded the efforts of his players, especially the local ones. 'We did not play well in our previous match but the players displayed improved show today,' said Shakya. Chyasal coach Bal Gopal Sahukhala lauded NRT's efforts. 'We could not play as per the plan and the team's performance was poor than the previous match. 'I am happy with the outcome as NRT played really well today,' he added. A version of this article appears in the print on December 5, 2021 of The Himalayan Times.