Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, April 22:

Mahabir Club and Jawlakhel Youth Club (JYC) played a 1-1 draw in the day’s match of the Martyrs’ Memorial Everest ‘A’ Division League Football Tournament here at Dasharath Stadium today.

After the first round matches, five clubs — Manang Marsyangdi Club, Mahendra Police Club, New Road Team, Friends Club and Three Star Club — have three points each, while JYC, Sankata Club, Ranipokhari Corner Team and Mahabir Club — the only team to play two matches — have one point each.

On Thursday, the newly promoted club in the ‘A’ Division, Mahabir Club, took an early lead through Prakash Karki. In the seventh minute, Karki collected a cross from Sudip Limbu inside the D-Box and took an unexpected lead against JYC, which recently signed ANFA goalkeeper Bikash Malla for a record of Rs 1,00,000 per season.

JYC managed a draw in the second half through Gaurav Thapa, son of ANFA president Ganesh Thapa, who joined the JYC recently. Fed by Manoj Thapa in the 54th minute, Gaurav took advantage of the Mahabir Club custodian Sujit Rana’s misjudgement, and netted an easy goal.

JYC almost scored an equaliser in the 28th minute, but Bikash Subba, who guided the ball

alone into the D-box, ended up with a wide shot. In the 41st minute, JYC striker Gaurav Thapa muffed up a free header on Bikash Subba’s corner.

JYC goalkeeper Malla saved a couple of attempts in the second half. In the 69th minute, Malla was forced for a brilliant save by Mahabir Club substitute Dhawal Thapa on Dipesh Thapa’s corner.

Malla, who got injured while saving, dropped the ball inside the D-Box, but his teammate Anil Gurung was quick enough to clear the ball.

Mahabir Club almost doubled the tally in the 49th minute, but eastern region star player Gudia Rai muffed up the chance with a wide shot.

Bikarna Shrestha of Mahabir Club came close to scoring in the in the 76th minute, but he

too failed to trouble Malla. Om Thapa of Mahabir Club made a remarkable attempt in the 88th minute, but his 40-yarder shot hit the outer edge of the cross bar, before going out.

On Friday, Manang Marsyangdi Club will take on Brigade Boys’ Club at the same venue.