Army, MMC register wins

Kathmandu, November 17

Tribhuvan Army Club and Signature Manang Marshyangdi Club won their matches of the Pulsar Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League here at the Nepal APF Club grounds today.

In the day’s second match, Bikash Khawas scored the solitary goal of the game as TAC defeated Chyasal Youth Club 1-0. Defender Khawas found the back of the nets in the 27th minute when he headed home following a corner from Santosh Tamang.

TAC goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu made a couple of outstanding saves and he was declared the man of the match. Kuthu punched out Amir Shrestha’s shot in the 14th minute, while he saved Santosh Sahukhala’s free kick in the 49th minute. Kuthu was at his best when he blocked Sahukhala’s header in the 78th minute.

TAC also created chances but they could not add to the tally. Chyasal goalkeeper Dinesh Thapa Magar saved Santosh Tamang’s free kick in the first half, while TAC skipper Bharat Khawas had a chance to double the lead but he shot wide from the penalty box. TAC came close to scoring in the 64th minute but Chyasal skipper Devendra Tamang made a goal-line clearance to deny Dinesh Henjan, who had a shot on target after beating goalkeeper Dinesh Thapa Magar. Henjan was unlucky for the second time five minutes later when Chyasal defender Gaurav Budhathoki cleared his header from goal line.

Earlier, Anjan Bista and Olawale Hafeez scored one goal each as MMC defeated New Road Team 2-0 for their second win in as many matches. MMC opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Bista scored from the spot. MMC earned the penalty after NRT defender OA Masood brought down Bista in danger area.

Hafeez doubled the tally in the 40th minute. After dodging a couple of defenders, Hafeez beat past NRT goalkeeper Sojit Gurung in one-on-one situation to put the ball into the nets. Bimal Rana Magar came close to extending the lead for MMC moments before the first-half whistle but his header struck against the cross bar following a cross from Bista.

MMC created a couple of chances in the second half as well but could not utilise them. Aadilaja Somide failed to score despite beating NRT goalkeeper Sojit Thapa, while Ashok Thapa Magar’s free kick went inches wide.

With their second victory, MMC are at the top of the table with six points, while TAC accumulated four points. NRT and Chyasal have one point each.

Players of MMC (centre) and NRT vie for the ball during their Pulsar Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League match at the Nepal APF Club grounds in Kathmandu on Saturday.