MMC won, Army beaten

2014-01-13

Leaders Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) edged Machhindra FC (MFC) 1-0 while Friends Club (FC) upset Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) by the same score line during the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League on 2014-01-13.

In the first, MMC labored hard to beat MFC MMC’s African recruit Yona Elias was on target for MMC in the 71st minute of the match. The first move came from MFC when Karna Limbu’s counter ball was well disturbed by captain Sagar Thapa in the 6th minute of the match, MFC put good pressure on MMC and Sushil KC’s shot was hardly saved by MMC goalie Bishal Shrestha in the 7th minute of the match. MMC looked dull in first half but forward Deepak Rai’s shot was well blocked by MFC defense in the 33rd minute of the match. MFC was about to take a lead in the 44th minute of the match but Karna Limbu failed to direct the ball in to the post he failed to utilize the blunder of goalie Bishal and defenders. In the second half also MFC started good football and in the 47th minute Bishal Rai A’s shot was hardly punched by goalie Bishal Shrestha. MMC’s forwards were poor in this match, they failed to penetrate MFC defense. Sulav Maskey’s pass was mist utilized by Sujal Shrestha. The only good move came in the 71st minute of the match when Sujal Shrestha’s header was well blocked by goalie and Yona Elias scored in a rebound ball to take MMC 1-0. MFC tried a lot to level the score but failed to score goal. Machhindra FC lost the match after playing so well in this match. MMC was lucky to score goal. With this win MMC have 12 points from five matches and MFC have 4 points from five matches.

In the second match, Friends Club stunned Nepal Army Club by a solitary goal. The results meant MMC stay on top of the table with 12 points from five games and two points clear of Friends. TAC dropped to fourth on seven points, two points behind Armed Police Force. In the second match, Koyade headed in the winner for Friends in the 28th minute after a set up from Deepak Bhusal. Friends coach Megh Raj KC told us that his team is improving in every other game. “It’s natural that when results are positive, the level of performance tends to rise,” added KC. His TAC counterpart Yogambar Suwal rued on the missed chances adding their defense was weakened due to the absence of the suspended Jitendra Karki.  This is the second defeat for Army men; Saraswoti Youth Club beat Army Men previously by the same score. National and Army men star forward Bharat Khawas failed to utilize the scoring chances. This was the big blow for Army men and they should play football to win if they aimed title. Army has to play Nepal Police Club, Manang Marshaygi Club, Three Star Club and Himalayan Sherpa Club in coming matches.