KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 27

Jawalakhel Youth Club defeated Satdobato Youth Club 2-0 in the Qatar Airways Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the Dasharath Stadium today.

Bipin Kandel and Nicholas Fernandes scored in the second half to hand JYC their second victory in the league, while Satdobato suffered their second defeat and remained at fifth position with eight points.

JYC climbed to ninth with seven points.

After the completion of six rounds, defending champions Machhindra FC are at the top of the 14-team table with 14 points, while Manang Marshyangdi Club are second on nine points.

Sankata Club are third on 12 points, two more than fourth-placed Tribhuvan Army FC. Satdobato are tied with Himalayan Sherpa Club on eight points, while three teams - Three Star Club, New Road Team and JYC - have seven points.

Nepal Police Club are 10th with six points, while Brigade Boys Club and Nepal APF Football Club have five each. Chyasal are 13th on four points, while Friends Club are at the bottom with three. The leaders after seventh round will get the chance to participate in the AFC Cup Qualifiers, while the bottom two after the league will be relegated to second division.

After a goalless draw in the first half, JYC coach Kishor KC brought Bipin Kandel in place of Suraj Jeu Thakuri and the move paid off.

JYC took the lead in the 50th minute through Kandel's goal after he slammed home following a pass from Onguna Nkengue Junior.

Nicholas Fernandes doubled the tally in the 70th minute after he slotted home from the edge of the box moments after Rup Bahadur Lama's strike was blocked by Satdobato goalkeeper Abhishek Baral.

JYC coach Kishor KC lauded Bipin Kandel for the brilliant show and criticised Suraj Jeu Hajur for not putting in hard efforts.

'Suraj Jeu Hajur is a national team player and he has not been able to live up to the expectations. I dared to send in my commando Bipin Rawal] in his place and he justified my move. Bipin played really well,' added KC, whose side suffered defeats in the first three matches and played a draw in the fourth.

Satdobato coach Meghraj KC accepted his side had a poor show compared to previous matches. 'We played like a novice team today and we will have to work on consistency of the players,' he said. KC also said the players might have become overconfident after faring well in the first four matches,' said KC, whose side has recorded two each wins, draws and losses in the top flight debut season.

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