Kathmandu, March 4
Newcomers Church Boys United and APF Football Club recorded victories, while Himalayan Sherpa Club salvaged a draw with Manang Marshyangdi Club in the Martyrs Memorial A Division League here today.
The newly-promoted United came from a goal down to stun Nepal Police Club 2-1 in their first match of the league at the Chyasal Stadium. Ashish Chaudhary and Franklin Kote scored for Church Boys after Ravi Paswan had put the departmental side ahead with an early goal in the first half.
Paswan opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the match before Chaudhary levelled the scores in the third minute of the first half injury time. Kote then found the back of the nets in the 70th minute as the Lalitpur-based United earned full three points from their debut match of the League.
At the Dasharath Stadium, departmental side APF defeated Three Star Club 2-0 riding on goals from Mani Kumar Lama and foreign recruit Armand Beadoum. After a goalless first half, Lama put APF ahead in the 72nd minute when his free kick from 35 yards out kissed the nets after Three Star goalkeeper Arun Blon failed to judge the ball properly.
Beadoum put the issue beyond doubt in the 87th minute after he slammed home from the edge of the box.
In another match at the Dasharath Stadium, MMC were forced to share points with Himalayan Sherpa after they failed to preserve the lead in the first round match.
Roshan Rana Magar of MMC opened the scoring in the 14th minute when his shot took deflection to Sanjit Rai before entering the goal.
At a time when the match was heading towards the end, Suresh Kumal produced the moment of brilliance and scored the equaliser.
Seeing MMC goalkeeper Deep Karki out of his proper position, second-half substitute Kumal made a clever attempt and was able to make it 1-1 in the 85th minute.
Another newly promoted side, FC Khumaltar had opened the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Friends Club in the opening match on Friday.
A total of 14 clubs are taking part in the League organised by the All Nepal Football Association. Top three clubs will receive Rs 7.5 million, Rs 5 million and Rs 2.5 million respectively. Fair Play award winners will get Rs 300,000.
The best player of the tournament will win Rs 300,000, while top scorer and best goalkeeper will earn Rs 200,000 each. The emerging player of the tournament will get Rs 150,000. The ANFA has allocated Rs 3.25 million each to all the 14 participating teams as preparation money.
A version of this article appears in the print on March 5, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
