Machhindra Energizer FC (MEFC) aka Red Lions defeated NIBL Friends’ Club (NIBL FC) 2-1 to jump to eighth position in the league standing while Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) outclassed Sankata Club (SC) 3-0 in the San Miguel “A” Division League Football Tournament.

In the day’s first match, the Red Lions came back from a goal behind to beat the Kopundole based NIBL FC. Skipper Rabin Byanjankar put NIBL FC ahead in the 28th minute utilizing his nimble footwork before firing home a spectacular goal.

In the second half, MEFC new recruit Sola Otegbola equalised for MEFC in the 64th minute. Deepak Chemzong was involved in the action as his shot rebounded off NIBL FC goalie Uzol Manandhar leaving Otegbola to kick into an open post. When it seemed the match was heading for a draw, another new Nigerian recruit Micheal Olagitan sealed the victory scoring in a goalmouth melee. With the win, MEFC has 17 points with 5 wins in the league while NIBL FC wasted the opportunity to leapfrog MMC.

In the other match, MMC’s Anil Gurung struck a hat trick to earn a convincing 3-0 victory over Sankata Club. Gurung scored his first in the 19th minute off the cross of Khum Gurung. Gurung’s diving header gave no chance to Sankata goalie Rupak Shrestha. Gurung was upbeat with his second goal in the 24th minute, again capitalizing a cross from Nabin Neupane.

Anil Gurung then increased his goal tally to 14, two short of Bikarna Shrestha-the highest goal scorer so far, in the 67th minute. Gurung’s feeble shot fooled Rupak who made a blunder judging the ball. MMC has collected 26 points after 14 matches, 12 less than the league leaders.