Nabil Three Star Club (NTSC) beat Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) 2-0 and Mahabir Club (MC) beat Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) 1-0 at Dashrath stadium while Machhindra Football Club (MFC) beat Rani Pokhari Corner Team (RCT) 9-8 at Halchowk stadium in the in the ANFA Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel “A” Division League Football Tournament.

In the NTSC versus MMC match, Bijaya Gurung netted two goals to collect the deserved three points against rivals MMC, revenging the 1-2 bitter defeat in the first leg. Bijaya Gurung broke the deadlock in the 40th minute utilizing a powerful left footed shot from the box. Later in the 56th minute, he scored his second on the cross off Pradeep Maharjan.

“The boys played well as they didn’t leave any room for them to penetrate inside,” NTSC coach Mrigendra Mishra told reporters. “We went down despite playing good,” APF coach Noble Rana reacted.

“I am happy to score goals as I promised,” Bijaya Gurung told Nepalnews. Gurung also promised to display a mature game in the days to come.

In the “controversial” and could be called “friendly” game between relegation threatened MFC and RCT at Halchowk stadium, the scoreline ended at 9-8 in MFC’s favor. RCT’s Rishi Rai suspiciously scored eight goals alone that led him to the highest goal scorer tally with 25 goals.

For the Red Lions (MFC), Bikash Subba scored four goals while Buddha Chemzong netted a hat trick. Gudiya Rai and Manoj Shahi also found the net to fetch three points.

Their win was made worthless because another relegation threatened team Mahabir Club surprised everyone by beating JYC 1-0. Som Lama scored match the winning goal through a spot kick.

Meanwhile, due to suspicions on the 9-8 scoreline, ANFA, in a press statement, cancelled the individual prize for the highest scorer. “We will take strong action if they (teams) are found guilty of match fixing,” ANFA General Secretary Narendra Shrestha told Nepalnews. “We came to this decision after receiving reports from the match inspector and referee,” Shrestha added.