Machhindra defeats Sankata 2-1

KATHMANDU: Holders Machhindra Club, which had a poor start to the Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League, seems to have regained its form. Under new Head Coach Kishor Kumar KC, Machhindra defeated Sankata Club 2-1 on Sunday.

This is the club’s second win in the league so far. Out of the seven games played so far, it has lost two and drawn three. The win against Sankata means Machhindra has now extended its undefeated streak to five matches. It sits seventh on the league table with nine points from seven games. Sankata, on the other hand, dropped to the eighth position with nine points.

Machhindra took the lead in the 19th minute of the first half at the Dasharath Stadium. Bimal Gharti Magar beat Sankata’s goalkeeper Tikendra Thapa and scored in a one-on-one situation. This was Bimal’s second consecutive goal in the league. His goal helped the club avoid defeat against Himalayan Sherpa Club in the previous match.

Sankata equalized two minutes later when Manish Dangi scored from Ayush Ghalan’s pass.

However, Machhindra regained the lead in the opening minutes of the second half as Olawale Afiz scored utilizing Nissen Subba’s cross.

Machhindra KC expressed his satisfaction after winning the first match. “It was a competitive game, but luckily we won,” KC, who coached Jawalakhel Youth Club last season, said.

Machhindra, the champions in the past two seasons of the league, turned to KC for the league campaign after Prabesh Katwal was appointed assistant coach of the national side.

After the defeat, Sankata’s head coach Salyan Khadgi responded that the defeat was a setback to their title ambitions “Definitely, this defeat has affected our campaign to win the league,” added Khadgi.

NRT defeats Himalayan Sherpa
In another match, NRT defeated Himalaya Sherpa Club 2-1 at the ANFA Complex to record its first victory in the league.

Although Himalayan Sherpa took the lead through Khamir Kandangwa’s goal, Rohan Khadgi and Jenish Prajapati scored one goal each to give NRT a comeback victory.

With the win, NRT has climbed to the 11th position in the league table, while Himalayan Sherpa dropped to 12th.