MMC skipper Anil Gurung struck first hat trick of the ongoing Martyrs Memorial League Football to maul red lions Machhindra Energizer FC (MEFC) 6-0 here during a match at Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu Sunday.
The consecutive win also put MMCains on top with cent percent result while lions suffered second straight loss, making their way quite bumpy. The match started in blistered pace where MMC cogged off rifle first through Umesh Upreti, who found very rare goal in the early 6 th minute through “lady luck” header. Upreti utilised a brilliant free-kick shot by midfielder Nirajan Khadka. The MMCians were unstoppable with an early goal while they added double three minute later through Basanta Gauchan. Gauchan was in alert position while collecting back passes from Raj Kumar Ghising to make MEFC goalie Kiran Chemzong completely stranded.
This time Anil Gurung came forward with a style, scoring goal in the 24th minute utilising the cross off Khum Gurung. The powerful header from Gurung left MEFC goalie in rue to make his personal goal tally two. The goals were coming off so easily and right winger Sandip Rai also succeeded to write his name in the goal sheet in the 28 th minute. Anil Gurung doubled his personal tally in the 43rd minute when he collected a pass from Basanta Gauchan to fire home spectacular goal. MMC took lemon tea with 5-0 up.
In the second half, MEFC performed some defensive game and MMC a sluggish game with some players back to bench. Coach Chhering Lopsang fielded Rajan Rayamajhi, who flew away to USA in 2061 B.S, and Tilak Gurung in place of Sandip Rai and Raj Kumar Ghising. But, Anil Gurung completed his hat trick scoring in the 58th minute through spot kick. Subham Shrestha of MEFC brought down Anil Gurung inside the box to make it easier for Gyani Raja Shrestha to whistle for spot kick. MEFC looked completely hapless with three African-origin players barred from playing after ANFA said working permit is necessary.
In the day’s second match, Nepal Investment Bank Friends Club (NIB FC) and Saraswoti Club played 2-2 draw. Friends were taking two goals lead till 85 th minute but SYC came back with strong scoring two goals in the 85th and 90th minute respectively.