Machhindra Energizer FC (MEFC) aka 'Red Lions' defeated Saraswoti Youth Club (SYC) 3-1 to collect crucial three points to jump to 9th position in the league standing while defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) toiled hard to beat New Road Team (NRT) 3-1 in the ongoing San Miguel "A" Division league football tournament played at Dasrath Stadium, Kathmandu.
Azad Pradhan scored a superb left-footed free-kick goal to put MEFC ahead in the 16th minute. The misery for SYC continued as Babu Lal Hada of MEFC struck nail on the coffin scoring in the goal mouth melee in the 43rd minute. However, the goal was enough for SYC officials to create propaganda of sorts and halted the match for eight minutes. Koteshwor-based clubs started the game after the officials gave green signal from the gallery.
After the lemon break, defender Subham Shrestha added a third one with his powerful header in the 57th minute. Rupesh Dhaubanjar of SYC scoreda consolation goal for SYC in the injury time. Had MEFC goalie Kiran Chemzong not saved three clear goal scoring chances, the result could have twisted towards SYC. Chemzong was awarded Adidas MOM for his superb performance.
In the day's second match, MMC overcame its dreary performances to beat gusty NRT 3-1. Anil Gurung struck hat-trick while Ramesh Pun scored for Raju Shakya's charges. Anil Gurung put MMC ahead in the 26th minute with his superb volley shot off Raj Kumar Ghising cross, but their joy was short-lived as super-sub Ramesh Pun leveled the score in the 38th minute, two minutes after entering into the ground. Pun was lucky to head the ball off Jeevan Sinkeman's free kick which left MMC goalie Sangeet Rajak unmoved.
Lemon break charged MMCians' as they played attacking game and were rewarded in the 70th minute through Anil Gurung. The MMCians' were awarded a penalty kick after Roshan Shrestha pulled down Raj Kumar ghising inside the box. Gurung completed his hat trick scoring a superb spot kick.
MMC brings two Nigerians
The MMC, meanwhile, brought two Nigerians after its coach Chhering Lopsang admitted that they were in need of foreign recruits. Nurudeen Salau was the same man who rescued MMC in previous edition while Michael is the new player for the club. Both had been playing league in India with Tripura Club. MMC Coach Lopsang said that they had already started the process for work permit and ITC verification. nepalnews.com bt Dec 03 06
