Defending Champion Nabil Three Star Club (NTSC) bounced back from a goal down to lock horns with arch rival Mahendra Police Club (MPC), sending the latter out of the title in the ANFA Martyrs’ Memorial San Miguel “A” Division League Football Tournament played at Dasrath Stadium, Kathmandu, on Friday.

The 1-1 draw was a moment to cherish for not only Patan side but also to Club president Lalit Krishna Shrestha, team sponsors’ CEO Anil Shah and to all more than 10,000 crowd that continuously supported “Men in Blue”.

When the cops were prematurely celebrating the 1-0 lead, Surendra Tamang scored a sensational equalizer late in the 86th minute, which proved that he still got some explosive dynamite on his boots. Latching the ball from a sleeping defense line, Tamang bamboozled MPC goalie Ritesh Thapa bringing his team ecstasy.

The bitter draw for MPC was all about 17 wins, 9 draws and one loss that accumulated 60 points, two less than two leaders, who still have one match to play. The win would have given the cops a sweet chance to sketch new history but everything went wrong with Surendra Tamang’s bombshell goal.

The draw for NTSC grabbed a lifeline to eye for the crown for the successive year. NTSC stayed at second position with same 62 points with MMC but the latter topped the tally for superior goal difference.

Defensive game costs cops

Few attempts in the early minutes by NTSC didn’t shake the MPC’s net with some superb saves from goalie Ritesh Thapa, who played with his fractured index finger. Had not Surendra Tamang, Santosh Shahukhala wasted superb chances in the early minutes, NTSC would not have to work hard to get the draw.

The story began to change from offensive to defensive when rookie Jumanu Rai converted a goal, thanks to a silly mistake by Pradeep Maharjan and Santosh KC in the 25th minute. Jumanu Rai grabbed the released ball from Sanotsh KC before dodging veteran goalie Upendra Man Singh. Then, one could see the cops playing defensive game with all 10 players coming back to guard the post. “Defensive game cost us,” MPC coach Yogambar Suwal told reporters.

Injury, suspension made the work beefy!

Caretaker coach Kumar Katuwal was handling the team after regular coach Mrigendra Mishra could not attend due to his mother’s death. Katuwal opted to field Santosh KC in place of suspended Anjan KC assuming he could cross the flank from the right side. But, he got a jolt in the early minutes when stubborn Pralaya Rajbhandari had to leave ground due to knee-injury. Then Katuwal sent mid fielder Prabesh Katuwal who performed superbly throughout the match. Later, Katuwal even had to opt for Uzan Shrestha in the place of Santosh KC. “All these things made our work beefy,” NTSC caretaker coach Kumar Katuwal told reporters.

Earlier, Sankata and Boudha were involved in a drama that conceded 10 goals including seven of Sankata and three of Boudha. Raj Kumar Ghising scored four goals while Ekjun Tuladhar, Rojit KC and Salyan Khadki scored apiece to extend the tally. The very young Buddha Lama scored two consolation goals for Boudha while Milan Tamang tasted his last “A” Division goal.