Kathmandu, October 2:

Nabil Three Star Club came from behind to beat Brigade Boys Club 2-1 and Rishi Rai struck twice as Ranipokhari Corner Team defeated Bouddha 3-0 in the Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel ‘A’ Division League Football Tournament here today.

The win put the defending champions atop standings with 27 points from 10 matches, ahead of Manang Marsyangdi Club who have 25 points from nine matches. Tribhuvan Army Club are at the third spot with 24 points, ahead of Mahendra Police Club (21). RCT moved up to sixth with 15 points, replacing Jawalakhel Youth Club (15). The 13th placed BBC have four points and at the bottom are Bouddha with two points. On Sunday, BBC took an early lead through their Nigerian striker Junior Obagbemiro. Fed by Shekhar Limbu inside the penalty area, Obagbemiro’s powerful right-footed shot beat past Three Star goalkeeper Singh.

Three Star coach Mrigendra Mishra’s decision to bring Pradeep Maharjan — who returned to the squad after serving three-match suspension — in place of striker Anil Gurung worked as the midfielder played a one-touch pass with striker Surendra Tamang before setting up to Bijay Gurung, who scored the equaliser with a left-footed shot from 12 yards.

Prabesh Katuwal put Nabil Three Star ahead in the 56th minute, when he headed home following Vishan Gauchan’s corner kick. This was Katuwal’s second goal in the tournament.

BBC almost scored the equaliser, but Three Star custodian Upendra Man Singh made a spectacular save on Obagbemiro’s powerful shot from 25 yards. In an earlier match, Rishi Rai scored two and set one for Rajan Gauchan in RCT’s 3-0 win over Bouddha. Rai opened the scoring in the 31st minute when he beat as many as three defenders before firing the ball past Bouddha goalkeeper Subash Neupane.

Gauchan doubled the tally in the 44th minute in Rai’s pass, while Rai put the issue beyond doubt in the 84th minute on his solo effort when he beat a defender and goalkeeper Neupane to score in an open net.