Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) squandered a chance to cement its position at the top of the league table as they allowed two late goals in the last 10 minutes of the match to draw its match against Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) in the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League at the Chyasal Stadium on Sunday.
JYC took the lead in the 34th minute of the match, capitalizing on a mistake made by MMC goalkeeper Deep Karki. Karki ventured out of the 18-yard box to stop Nkoto Masoabi from taking the strike. But Masoabi skillfully evaded Karki and scored in the empty net.
The Lalitpur side extended its lead by capitalizing on another mistake by MMC. Bishal Tamang intercepted MMC’s Kofi Koudo’s backpass to Bhishan Gurung and swiftly played a through ball to Hisub Thapaliya. Although Pravesh Kunwar of MMC get to the ball first, his misplaced pass fell to Fode Fofana. Fofana set up an easy opportunity for Hisub to slot the ball into the net.
MMC, which had been exerting pressure on JYC in the second half, reaped the rewards in the 81st minute of the match. Bishan Gurung collected Koudo’s backheel pass to score an easy goal. Later, Sumit Shrestha unleashed a sensational strike from outside the 18-yard box to earn a point for his team.
JYC Coach Sunil Shrestha acknowledged that his team struggled to cope with MMC’s relentless pressure in the second half. “We hadn’t encountered such intense pressing in the league thus far. We are happy to get one point,” he added.
MMC Coach Bishnu Gurung expressed satisfaction over his team’s improved performance in the second half.
This is MMC’s fourth consecutive draw in the league. All of these matches have been played under the guidance of Gurung who took over from Kiran Shrestha after the latter’s resignation.
MMC currently occupies the 7th position with 22 points, while JYC remains at the top of the table with 31 points.
NRT, Friends share points
New Road Team (NRT) and Friends Club battled to a 2-2 draw at the ANFA Complex on Sunday.
Rafiq Aminu opened the scoring for Friends Club in the 28th minute. The score was leveled after Amit Tamang of Friends inadvertently scored an own goal in the 58th minute. Tamang redeemed himself eight minutes later by scoring a goal to give his side a 2-1 advantage.
NRT had an opportunity to equalize in the 80th minute when it was awarded a penalty. But Anicet Mboumi missed from the spot. However, Nicolas Song found the net in the 89th minute to dash Friends Club’s hopes of securing all three points.
