Kathmandu, November 28:

Departmental teams Armed Police Force (APF) and Mahendra Police Club (MPC) defeated their opponents with an identical 1-0 margin in the Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League at the Dasharath Stadium here today.

APF beat Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) on a 15th-minute goal from Mani Pandit while MPC won on a goal from Hari Khadka in the 81st minute. Khadka converted a stunning 20-yard free kick resulting on a foul to Arjun Rijal.

APF was unlucky when Jibesh Pandey hit the woodwork in the fifth minute. JYC almost equalised in the 58th minute but APF goalie Samit Rajbhandari palmed away Sanoj Shrestha’s shot. Durga Lawat of APF was adjudged the Adidas man of the match.

“We played well and were able to put pressure to the opponents but missed too many chances,” said APF coach Dhruba KC. He also praised JYC for their improved performance.

JYC, which lies bottom in the table, is yet to register a win in seven matches. “Our weakness so far has been midfield and forward and that will be corrected after the arrival of new players,” JYC coach Megh Raj KC added. He also consoled himself saying that most of their defeats came against the strong teams. “We have played against all the tough opponents except for Tribhuvan Army Club,” he said.

In the second match, Friends’ Club, who has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with following their improved performaces this season, missed early chances against before MPC playmaker Hari Khadka scored the winner nine minutes from time. Nilendra Dewan wasted a certain goal for Friends in the 17th minute when he shot wide in a solitary encounter with MPC goalkeeper Ritesh Thapa. Ukesh Shrestha of Friends’ Club won the Adidas man of the match award.

Friends coach Siddhi Byanjankar blamed poor refereeing and missed chances in the first half for their defeat. Byanjankar, however, added that they played better than their previous matches. “At the moment, our players are not performing as expected,” said MPC assistant coach Anil Adhikari, adding that both the teams failed to create chances. “Most of the time the ball was played in the midfield,” he said.

Today’s matches:

• Army vs Machhindra FC @ 1:00pm

• Nabil Three Star vs Saraswoti @ 3:00pm