Kathmandu, August 7

National league champions Ruslan Three Star Club played a 1-1 draw against Tribhuvan Army Club in a friendly match at the ANFA Complex grounds today.

Three Star, who are preparing for the AFC Cup qualifying play-off,  are scheduled to travel to Mongolia for the play-off. They are in the Group B along with hosts Erchim and Nagaworld of Cambodia. The Lalitpur-based club will take on Erchim on August 21 and face Nagworld two days later.

Three Star took an early lead after African recruit Ayaji Martins Kayode scored in the fourth minute. Kayode utilised Saroj Dahal’s long pass as he beat Army defenders to put Three Star ahead in the match. However, late goal from Nawayug Shrestha meant the match ended in a draw.  Shrestha scored from tight angle in the dying moments of the four-minute injury time, capitalising on the lack of coordination between Three Star goalie Alan Neupane and defender Peter.

Three Star had defeated departmental side Nepal APF Club 5-0 in the warm-up match on Friday.