Two-time defending champions Machhindra Football Club defeated Sankata Club 3-1 in the Martyrs Memorial A Division League here at the Dasharath Stadium today.
Devendra Tamang, Bimal Gharti Magar and Afeez Olawale Oladipo scored one each goal for Machhindra, while Junior Onguene Nkengue netted the consolation goal for Sankata. Machhindra moved up to fifth position with 21 points after their fifth victory, while Sankata remained at the 11th place on 16 points.
Machhindra took an early lead through Devendra Tamang's goal in the fourth minute. Tamang found the back of the nets in rebound after Sankata goalkeeper Tikendra Thapa blocked Pujan Uparkoti's shot but he failed to collect the ball.
Oladipo doubled the tally in the 69th minute when he beat past Sankata goalkeeper Thapa in one-on-one situation following a pass from Sourav Limbu. Oladipo took his personal tally to nine goals in the league. He also found the back of the nets two minutes later but the goal was ruled offside.
Sankata cut the deficit in the 78th min through Nkengue's header on a cross from Nishan Khadka. But Bimal Gharti Magar restored Machhindra's two-goal cushion one minute from end. Gharti Magar scored from inside the box following a free kick from Devendra Tamang in the 89th minute.
In day's other match played at the ANFA Complex grounds, Nepal APF Football Club salvaged a 1-1 draw with New Road Team. Adama Doumbia scored equaliser in the ninth of the 11-minute injury time to deny NRT the much-needed victory. With the draw, APF climbed to seventh position with 19 points from 14 matches, while NRT remained at the ninth place with 17 points.
After a goalless first half, Lalnunzama put NRT ahead in 59th minute when he headed home on a cross from his skipper Bikram Dhimal. At a time when the match was heading towards the end, Doumbia netted the equaliser with a header following a cross from Sanish Shrestha in the ninth minute of the injury time. NRT ended with 10 men after Gaurav Shrestha earned second yellow card of the match moments before the final whistle.
