Lalitpur, October 7

Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) came from behind to register a 3-2 win over Rumpum Jhapa-XI FC in the Red Bull National League match here at the ANFA Complex grounds today.

Skipper Anil Gurung scored in the last minute of the match to send the team to the second position of the table with 25 points from 13 matches, while Jhapa-XI slipped to fourth with 24 points from 14 matches. Ruslan Three Star Club are at the top of the table with 26 points, while Tribhuvan Army Club are third with 24 points.

Jhapa-XI took lead in the match through Karna Limbu in the 19th minute. Limbu fired home from close range after MMC defender Ballo Moussa Finigue failed to clear the ball properly following a cross from Dinesh Karki. Bishal Rai levelled the scores in the 58th minute when he scored after taking a pass from Ravi Paswan. Rai was in action again in the 70th minute as he put MMC ahead. Rai easily placed the ball into the nets after being fed by skipper Gurung.

The match headed towards a draw after Yogesh Gurung scored the equaliser for Jhapa in the 84th minute. Gurung dodged a couple of defenders before firing a powerful shot that found the top right corner of the post.

The match was heading towards the draw before skipper Gurung ensured all three points for the team. Gurung scored in the fifth minute of the injury time as he beat Jhapa-XI goalkeeper Dinesh Thapa Magar before a simply tapping in from close.

This is the second time MMC scored the winning goal in injury time. Rupesh KC had netted the solitary goal against Nepal APF Club in their previous match.

MMC Coach Raju Kaji Shakya was satisfied with the vital three points against Jhapa. “We will now focus on the match against Nepal Police Club and Buddha Air Morang FC,” Shakya said. “We will wait for the results of Jhapa and Three Star Club before planning for the upcoming fixtures,” he said. “We want to win all the remaining matches and the boys are ready for it,” Shakya added.

Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale ‘Mama’ was happy with the performance of the team. “This was our first match in the astro-turf and the boys played well,” he said. “We were unfortunate to concede a goal in the injury time. MMC are good side and I am satisfied with the way the boys played today.” On Thursday, APF Club will take on Lumbini FC at the ANFA Complex grounds.