MMC win away from title

2014-02-21
League leader Manang Marshyagdi Club (MMC) beat Sankata Club (SC) by 2-0 goals, which took them 4 points lead in Super Six League of A Division League 2070 BS. Anil Gurung and Yona Elias scored for MMC in the 48th and 50th minute respectively.  MMC played a very confident game today as their rock solid defender Mbile Stephen was back again in the squad and they earned a free kick in the 5th minute but Shiva Shrestha took the free kick  out of target.

MMC missed the golden chance to take a lead in the 11th minute; Rupesh KC failed to give the direction, KC hit the side pole from the penalty area. In the 14th minute Sankata defender Irabhim did his best to block Anil Gurung’s volley. In the 17th minute Yona Elias almost scored for MMC but his good shot from outside the box went little above the bar. MMC played a very attacking football in the first half, but they failed to crack the defense line of Sankata Club. In the second half, MMC finally cracked the defense line of Sankata in the 48th minute Anil Gurung scored his 6th goal of this tournament, which made them 1-0 up. 2 minutes later, MMC doubled their tally through their African recruit Yona Elias, who scored his 8th goal of this tournament to make MMC 2-0 up. After conceding 2 goals, Sankata players looked dull and they did not show come back sprit in the second half, Sankata barely troubled MMC’s custodian Bishal Shrestha. MMC almost tripled their score but Sankata custodian Pierre punched out Rupesh KC header in the 66th minute. MMC failed to utilize the chances in the remaining time. After this vital win, MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha said that, ‘’ what’s more important for me is that earned all three points’’. Whereas Shrestha’s counterpart, Raju Kaji Shakya said that,’’ to be honest, I was expecting a draw at best considering that we do not have striking ability up front’’. Sankata Club missed star forward Olawale due to the injury. This win made MMC a strong title contender and they are now just need one win in their two remaining matches. However, their two remaining matches would not be an easy game for them; they will take Nepal Police Club in their next match, while Three Star Club will meet MMC in the final match of the Super Six League. With this win, MMC is unchanged and extended their lead to four points over Machhindra FC with 32 points from fifteen matches, meanwhile Sankata Club is in fifth place with 23 points from equal matches. With two rounds to go, MMC is front with 32 points followed by Machhindra Club and Three Star Club with 28 points. MMC needed only 3 points from remaining two matches, while second and third place Machhindra and Three Star have to win both matches. Similarly, fourth place Nepal Police Club also have to win both matches. This league is interesting and competitive; four teams are competing for the title.  Fourth round of the Super Six League resumes on Sunday with Machhindra taking Armed Police Force.