Kathmandu, Mar 8:Nabin Naupane’s hat-trick gave Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) a perfect start for the title race with an impressive win over Sankata Boys Sports Club (SBSC) while Mahendra Police Club (MPC) was forced to settle with1-1 draw by Three Star (TC) in the final round of Khukuri Gold which kicked off at the National Dashrath Stadium, Thursday.
Both of the goals were scored in the first-half. MPC outfit with Hari Khadka taking the charge in the front looked threatening from the beginning of the game. Dev Narayan and Gyanendra Sherchan helped Khadka to launch raids on the rival’s post.
On the other hand, the Three Star boys went out all looking for equalizer and made some daring raids pushing the MPC defence to stand on their toes.
Rajib Nepal and Adit Rokka were the key players to put pressure on the MPC goalposts. Their hard works finally caved in the 27th minute through a substitute Prasant Thapa. He collected ball through a pass in the middle and unleashed firm shot that beat MPC keeper , putting the game on either way.
MPC continued to dominate the show but inept shooting and ill-directed passes stood in their way for enlarging score. Hari Khadka, and Dev Naryan Choudhari came close to the scoring zone but failed to capitalise the opportunities in the second half.
Though, the Three Star also missed couple good chances to enlarge the margin due to the poor finishing of the strikers. Till to the last minute of the game, MPC tried hard to enlarge the margin but all their efforts went in vain.
In the day’s second game MMC with the striking forces consisting of Rajan Raymajhi, Nabin Naupane and with Basanta Thapa Kumar Thapa, Rajesh Shahi and Basanta Gauchan supporting the moves from the middle had an easy win over lowly fancied Sankata boys 4-0 in a one sided affair and dull game.
Though Sankata boys cashing to Bal Gopal Maharjan and Sunil Tuladhar in the defence were helpless in keeping at bay the MMC marauding attacks. Sankata boys had nothing to display of their own as they were completely beaten by the MMC in all the departments.
In the 23rd minute Nabin took MMC ahead and again in within the two minutes enlarged the margin through Rajesh Shai. Even with two goal lead, MMC continued to pressure the Sankata boys, putting the defence to run for their money.
The domination of the MMC boys were so much that the ball rested on the Sankata camp. In the 42nd Minute , Nabin slammed home a hat-trick through a pass floated in by Rajesh in the middle of the box.
After a lemon break, MMC continued to bombard the Sankata defence attacking from all side. Nirajan, Kumar and Nabin taking in the lead. In the 55th Minute, Nabin scored home through a penalty and adding his fourth goal.
Had not the MMC boys missed the chances that galore, they could have won the game with wider margins.
Today’s match
RCT Vs Sunsari-1:30 while Tribhuvan Club face Friends Club at 3:30