Nabil Three Star Club survived Machhindra FC scare but favored result with 2-0 while Tribhuwan Army Club welcomed Bikash Malla with 2-1 victory over NIB Friends Club, in the ANFA Martyrs’ Memorial “A” Division League Football Tournament here in Kathmandu today.
Having signed three African origin players along with African coach, Red Lions couldn’t click the magic while NTSC were below par in every aspect. But, Patane were first to buzzed around MFC post through “high-paid” Pradeep Maharjan but the chance floated in air with shot wide from the side pole. Maharjan utilized his nimble footwork and guided the ball in danger zone but pressure from MFC defenders forced him to shot off the target. But, NTSC didn’t have to wait long for celebration when Bijaya Gurung scored first goal in the early 6th minute utilizing the defensive blunder. Gurung collected the ball brilliantly coming off from Santosh Gurung before firing home spectacular goal.
MFC with three Nigerian signing; Abdul Olawale, Eze Collins and Idris Kehinde, were out of shape due to lack of coordination between players while few chances in the first half raised some hopes for Red lions to cut the deficit. Idris Kehinde came close to goals in the 23rd minute but he missed the target just by inches.
NTSC left winger Anjan K.C had to leave the ground in the 30th minute for his eye-injury which he received while colliding with MFC players. K.C needed three stitches later on. MFC could have leveled the score in the 35th minute but once again Idris failed to shot when he was one Vs one with NTSC goalie Binod Dongol. NTSC enjoyed lemon break with making nose 1-0 up.
After the resume, both team lost their rhythm and energy as well pushing the game to dire show. But, however, Surendra Tamang danced with team mates in the 47th minute scoring team’s second goal utilizing the rebound shot off Bijaya Gurung. Gurung was premium but his powerful shot left MFC goalie Kiran Chemzong trampled and Tamang got a chance.
Similarly, Tribhuwan Army toiled hard to put NIB Friends aside which served 2-1 thrilling show at the same venue. Two dangerous save from Bikash Malla, who joined Army a year ago, sketched Army’s win. Malla was called back from his training to play league’s first match but will continue his Second Lieutenant training in Kharipati, Bhaktapur. Army took a lead in the very first minute through lanky Ram Kumar Biswash while they took double lead in the second half through Bikarna Shrestha. Sishir Adhikari scored consolation goal for NIB Friends.
It was like electric shock for NIB Friends when lanky Biswash’s powerful header sailed into the net taking slight deflection off Yukesh Shrestha. But, Army lost their power on the proceedings while NIB Friends had same sorry story. After the lemon break, Bikarna Shrestha doubled the tally utilizing the defensive blunder of Ramesh Byanjankar in the 51st minute. While Bikash was enjoying his time being virtual hero under the bar, Ramesh Byanjankar tested him with powerful shot but Malla denied excellently. Daimoj Dhimal nearly scored in an own post in the 58th minute but his header was saved by Malla with acrobatic show. NIB Friends were finally rewarded in the 76th minute through Sishir Adhikari. Adhikari scored brilliantly utilizing the pass off Chandra Tamang. NIB Friends had tried their best to level the score but Army’s vigor didn’t let them to come over.