LALITPUR, MARCH 09

Tribhuvan Army Football Club defeated two-time defending champions Machhindra Football Club 2-0, while Jawalakhel Youth Club beat New Road Team 2-1 in the Martyrs Memorial A Division League here today.

Skipper Nawayug Shrestha and Deepak Gurung scored for TAFC to help the last edition's runners-up recorded their first win of the league. TAFC had played a goalless draw against Sankata, while defending champions Machhindra had faced a 3-1 defeat at the hands of JYC in their first match.

After a goalless first half at the Chyasal Stadium, Gurung opened the scoring in the 48th minute before skipper Shrestha doubled the tally in the 59th with a goal from the spot. With the win, TAFC accumulated four points, while Machhindra - who remained unbeaten throughout the campaign in the previous edition and defended the title with 11 wins and two draws - are yet to open their accounts.

In the day's another match, JYC edged past NRT 2-1 at the ANFA Complex grounds. Skipper Simant Thapa and Fode Fofana scored one goal each as JYC recorded their second straight victory. Sanjit Bista scored the consolation goal for NRT.

After a goalless first half, skipper Thapa put JYC ahead in the 68th minute after he controlled a loose ball inside the box and slammed home. Fofana doubled the tally in the 77th minute. Samiraj Thokar snatched the ball from Janmajay Dhami and released to unmarked Fofana, who made no mistake in burying the ball into the nets.

Substitute Bista reduced the deficit in the 80th minute after he beat as many as two defenders before slamming home from close range. With the win, JYC accumulated six points, while NRT - who faced defeat against Royal Blue Satdobato Youth Club in the first round - are yet to open their accounts.

A version of this article appears in the print on March 10, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.