Lalitpur, October 14

Anil Gurung scored a solitary goal as Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) registered a 1-0 victory over Nepal Police Club (NPC) in the Red Bull National League match here today.

The win helped MMC climb to the second position with 31 points from 15 matches. MMC will take on leaders Three Star Club — who have 33 points — in the league’s last match, which will decide the league winners. A draw is enough for Three Star, while MMC need to win the match. After the loss, NPC are at the seventh position with 13 points and are likely to finish the league at the same position.

In a crucial match for MMC, skipper Anil Gurung scored the only goal in the 50th minute. Gurung scored from the close range after being fed by Leonel Stephen Mbile, who met a back pass from Suraj BK near the centre of the pitch.

MMC came close to scoring in the second minute but skipper Gurung’s header went off target. Gurung wasted another chance in the 15th minute as he shot wide after being fed by Moussa. Shiva Shrestha was unlucky in the 68th minute as he struck against the bar. Sushil KC had a chance to double the lead for MMC but NPC goalkeeper Roshan Khadka denied his shot in one-on-one situation in the 72nd minute.

MMC coach Raju Kaji Shakya said he was confident of taking vital three points from NPC. “We had to win the match today and we did it despite performing below par. We have to work hard for the next match as we want to lift the title defeating Three Star,” Shakya said.

NPC coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said the defense was weak in today’s match.”Players failed to implement the plan in the match and their body language was also negative,” said Shrestha.

On Thursday, Nepal APF Club will take on Rum Pum Jhapa-XI in their last league match at the ANFA Complex grounds. The winners of the match are assured of finishing fourth.