Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) defeated Friends Club 2-0 in the Martyr’s Memorial National ‘A’ Division League at the Chyasal Stadium on Friday, thanks to a brace from Togolese forward Koffi Timothée Koudo.
The victory puts MMC at the top of the league table. MMC is the only unbeaten side in the team, winning four and drawing two of the six games played so far. It has accumulated 14 points.
Although Friends started strong and had two opportunities to take the lead in the opening minutes of the match, MMC goalkeeper made a superb save to deny a half-volley from Prakash Budhathoki in the 5th minute. Indian forward Uttam Rai also missed a chance to score a few minutes later.
MMC took the lead in the 35th minute when Friends’ goalkeeper Bikash Sunar failed to collect Koudo’s powerful shot from outside the box. He, however, denied Koudo in the 42nd minute.
MMC doubled its lead in the opening minutes of the second half when Koudo superbly controlled Sumit Shrestha’s pass in the six-yard box and scored past Sunar.
In the 61st minute, Kamal Thapa had a chance to score MMC’s third goal, but his shot hit the bar. Sunar also saved Jiva Gurung’s injury-time effort.
