Machhindra Energizer FC (MEFC) stunned Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) 2-1 to earn first points in the league table of the ongoing Martyrs’ Memorial ANFA San Miguel “A” Division League football tournament at Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu Thursday.

MEFC, playing without its three Nigerian recruits due to lack of work permit, displayed an unswerving game, taking a one goal lead early in the 11th minute through Subham Shrestha’s header. Shrestha’s jumping header just flicked the ball that hit the side pole before it kissed the back of the net.

MEFC then pressed very hard and didn’t leave any room for sluggish JYC players and took a 2-goal lead in the 20th minute through Sudip Limbu. Former RCT man utilised the defensive blunder of Roshan Hirachan to pocket the ball into the net. MEFC took the lemon tea up 2-0.

After the lemon break, the match turned quite worthless as both teams looked tired with no significant attempts made from them. JYC finally cut the deficit in the 84th minute through Susan Bhandari who utilised his nimble footwork before firing home a spectacular goal. Susan nearly equalised in the 90th minute but his powerful shot hit the top bar ruining all hopes of clinching their first points in the league tournament.

Sudip Limbu was adjudged “Adidas Man of the Match”. Senior coach Ashok K.C handed over the gift hamper provided by Roots Fashion Pvt. Ltd..

Meanwhile, Koteshwor-based Saraswoti Youth Club played a jubilant game to put minnow Boys Union Club aside 2-1 to make their stand in the league with 4 points. Former Sankata player Krishna Malakar scored the opening goal for SYC in the 41st minute with his solo effort while Bijaya Gautam doubled the tally in the 45+2 minute through a beautiful volley shot. The combination between Tanka Basnet and Subin Ghimire was fruitful and defense line of BUC were busy clearing the ball and so was goalie Amir Byanjankar.

But, the minnow pulled back one through Raju Rai in the 53rd minute utilizing his superb footwork to cut the deficit. Tanka Basnet nearly extended the tally for SYC in the 54th minute but Sagar Ghimire cleared the ball from the goal line after the goalie was completely beaten. The real threat came from BUC in the 65th minute but Kendra Limbu’s powerful strike was excellently saved by goalie Channu Ram Choudhary. Bimal Karki wasted a beautiful chance in the 86th minute giving a pass to the goalie instead of shooting straight to net.

Bijaya Gautam was declared “Adidas Man of the Match”. Former International player YB Ghale awarded a gift hamper to Gautam.