Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Olawale Afiz scored five goals as Machhindra Football Club defeated FC Khumaltar 7-3 in the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League at Chyasal Stadium in Lalitpur on Tuesday.
Bimal Gharti Magar and substitute Bijaya Bhujel a goal each to complete FC Khumaltars’ rout. Mesuke Olomou scored two goals, while Stephane Binong scored one for Khumaltar.
Afiz took the lead in the 24th minute of the game. He controlled Suraj BK’s long pass and made an excellent turn and beat Indian defender Sanvil Costa inside the penalty area to score. He scored his and his team’s second five minutes later from a rebound after his first shot off Chencho Galzen’s pass hit the post. Bimal scored Machhindra’s third goal in the injury time of the first half after Khumaltar keeper Dev Limbu spilled Galsen’s strong shot.
Afiz completed his hattrick in the 56th minute of the second half from the spot. The referee had awarded the penalty after Padam Bhattarai handled the ball inside the box.
Mesuke Olomou scored for Khumaltar in the 61st minute utilizing a pass inside the box by Stephane Binong. However, Khumaltar’s hope of staging a comeback was shortlived as Afiz restored Machhindra’s four-goal lead one minute later. He controlled a beautiful pass from midfielder Pujan Uperkoti and scored past Khumaltar goalie Dev. Afiz headed home his fifth utilizing a long cross by Andres Nia.
In the 76th minute, Stephane Binong scored from the spot to make the score 6-2. Mesuke scored his second and the team’s third in the 81st minute. Substitute Bijaya Bhujel scored Machhindra’s seventh goal in the 87th minute.
With this win, Machhindra has amassed 12 points from 8 games with three wins, three draws and 2 losses. It climbed to sixth in the table. Khumaltar is in tenth place with 7 points from 8 games.
In another match of the day, Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Jawalakhel Youth Club by 3-1 at the ANFA Complex. Gillespye Jung Karki, Navyug Shrestha and Sudil Rai scored for Army. Sunil Khadka scored a consolation goal for Jawalakhel.
