Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, January 22:

Manoj Kumar Shahi struck twice as Saraswati Youth Club defeated Friends Club 4-1 and Machhindra Bahal Club blanked Kalika Mahabir Club 4-0 in the Martyrs’ Memorial ‘B’ Division League Football Tournament here at Dasharath Stadium today.

Machhindra Club are second behind Bouddha Football Club on goal difference both having nine points. Saraswati have six points.

Saraswati took the lead through Man Sujan Rajbhandari in the 17th minute. Six minutes later, Bijay Mahat of Friends levelled the scores on his own rebound following Anup Karki’s pass. Manoj Shahi gave Saraswati a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute. Shahi added another in the 33rd minute. In the 41st minute, Prashant Giri scored Saraswati’s fourth goal. In the second match, Azad Pradhan gave Machhindra Bahal a lead in the 10th minute when he fired the ball into the net from 20 yards.

In the 53rd minute, Arjun Rijal scored on a rebound when Kalika goalkeeper Shrestha could not gather the ball. Machhindra skipper Santosh Shrestha added another in the 65th minute when he fired the ball from just outside the D-Box.

Buddha Chemchong scored in the 90th minute from the crowded penalty area. Kalika skipper Roshan Shrestha, Khagendra Khadka and Arjun Rai of Machhindra were cautioned with yellow cards during the match.