Mahendra Police Club (MPC) hammered Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) 5-2 to put themselves firmly in the race for title while another departmental team Armed Police Force (APF) slammed minnows Boys’ Union Club (BUC) 4-1 to give the first win to the newly appointed coach Dhruba K.C in the ongoing ANFA Martyrs’ San Miguel League Football Tournament here at Dasrath stadium today.
The police team came from a goal behind to tame Jawalakhel boys. The JYC took a lead just three minutes after the game started when Ishwor Shrestha shot the ball past MPC goalie Ritesh Thapa – the U-23 captain – who failed to read the ball allowing it straight to hit the net. But the celebration was short-lived when MPC’s gusty forward Ramesh Budhathoki closed the gap by scoring in the 10th minute utilizing the pass from a fellow striker Jumanu Rai inside the D-box.
Earlier, MPC’s right winger Dipendra Poudel had hit the woodwork giving a huge scare to JYC goalie Mohamad Nijamuudin. It was Ananta Thapa who doubled the tally by scoring in an open post in the 30th minute when Ramesh Budhathoki dribbled past everyone inside the 6-yard box and let him kick straight to the net. The MPC skipper Hari Khadka was happy to gather team mates for goal celebration when he netted a beautiful free-kick goal in the 40th minute. Given to hit the free-kick from the edge of the box, Khadka didn’t waste the chance and took the goal tally 3-1 before the lemon break.
After the game resumed, three goals were on offer; one for JYC and two more for the cops. JYC showed hints of come back spirit in the 53rd minute when Doran Serchan chipped the ball over the MPC goalie but everything went wrong for the team when the MPC added their fourth goal in the 76th minute through speedster Jumanu Rai. Ananta Thapa struck final nail on JYC’s coffin in the 86th minute.
Meg Raj K.C, JYC Coach, reacted thus, “I am happy with boys’ performance as they played well against a good side. Hope they will correct their mistake and play better games in the days ahead.”
Sanoj Shrestha, JYC Captain, added, “We have a rookie side and they tried their best to stop MPC”.
Similarly, Armed Police Force (APF) rode on Santosh Shahukhala’s two goals and each from Manoi Pundit and Prakash Karki to thrash Boys’ Union Club 4-1 in the day’s second match at the same venue.
Dipendra Pariyar scored the lone consolation goal for the losing side. APF were superior in every aspect and dominated the game from the word “go”.
Shahukhala seemed to be in great form scoring superb goals in the 22nd and 25th minutes respectively. Prakash Karki made the score 3-0 capitalizing the cross from Jibesh Pandey in the 26th minute. Three goals in between five minutes ensured deserved victory for APF side.
After the lemon break, Manoi Pundit extended the tally by scoring in the 58th minute while Dipendra Pariyar cut the deficit during the injury time for the Tripureshwor-based club.