KATHMANDU, MAY 15
Two-time defending champions Machhindra Club defeated FC Khumaltar 3-0, while Sankata Club and Himalayan Sherpa Club played a 1-1 draw in the Martyrs Memorial A Division League here today.
With their eighth win in 18 matches, Machhindra moved up to third - level on 30 points with second-placed Church Boys United and one behind leaders Jawalakhel Youth Club. United have played one match less that other two teams.
Khumaltar remained at the bottom of the 14-team table with 17 points. After the draw, Himalayan Sherpa climbed up to ninth with 22 points and they are tied with Manang Marshyangdi Club, New Road Team and APF Football Club.
Sankata remained at the 11th position with 21 points.
At the Dasharath Stadium, Sankata rallied to salvage a draw with Sherpa. After a goalless first half, Manuel Nana Agyomang put Sherpa ahead five minutes into the second half when he found the back of the nets from close range.
Agyomang had the simplest of the tasks as the ball fell just in front of him after Abayomi Oluwaseun Fakunle headed Biswash Shrestha's corner kick. Ayush Ghalan levelled the scores for Sankata from the spot in 74th minute.
Sankata earned the penalty after Sushil Rai brought down Ghalan inside the box. Ghalan did no mistake as he sent goal keeper Kishor Giri to the wrong side. Biswash Shrestha came close to restoring Sherpa's lead in the 75th minute but his powerful shot from outside the box found the woodwork.
Sankata coach Salyan Khadgi said the draw was unfortunate for his team in the battle of relegation. "We went all out in attack and the players also put in their hard efforts in the match," said Khadgi. "But luck was not on our part as we missed so many easy chances that came out way," he added.
Himalayan Sherpa coach Suman Shrestha lamented referees for poor decisions. "One of the players was down on the field and the ball was almost dead. But referee gave advantage to Sankata and we went on to concede penalty," said Shrestha. "The players were confused with the decision."
He said the team played as per the plan and we were on right track until the referee's decision changed the complexion of the match. Shrestha said the team would have moved to safety with a win but the result put them under pressure to avoid relegation.At ANFA Complex grounds, Afeez Olawale Oladipo scored a brace as Machhindra outplayed newcomers FC Khumaltar.Andres Nia Tchounkeu opened the scoring in the 42nd minute before Olawale stole the show in the second half. Olawale doubled the tally in the 77th minute and netted his second goal of the match six minutes later.
Olawale took his personal tally to 12 goals to share the third position with Royal Blue Satdobato Youth Club's Dipak Raj Singh Thakuri in top scorer's list. Out of his 12 goals in 14 matches, Okawale scored seven against Khumaltar. He had netted five in the first leg match on his way to becoming the first player to score hattrick in the league.
A version of this article appears in the print on May 16, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
