By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 15: The National League began on Wednesday with Martyr’s Memorial A Division League champions Church Boys United held to a draw by Shree Bhagawati Club, while Friends Club came from behind to defeat Kankre Bihar Club.

In the opening match at the ANFA Complex, Friends Club beat Kankre Bihar 3–1. Prashant Laksam, Prabesh Basnet and Ashish Chapagain each scored once to secure the victory. 

Kankre Bihar had taken a surprise lead in the seventh minute through an own goal by Friends’ defender Khemraj Shrestha. Despite dominating possession, Friends struggled to find the net until injury time at the end of the first half, when central midfielder Prashant equalised. 

In the 59th minute, forward Prabesh put Friends ahead, before Ashish sealed the win with a goal in the final minute.

In the day’s second match, Shree Bhagawati Club held Church Boys United to a 1–1 draw. Harihar Budha Magar gave Shree Bhagawati the lead in the 45th minute, but Eric Bista restored parity for Church Boys in the 65th.  The champions pressed for a winner but Shree Bhagawati held firm to earn a share of the points.

On Thursday, the second day of the National League, Satdobato Youth Club will face Sankata FC at 11 am, while Laligurans Association will take on Jawalakhel Youth Club at 3 pm. Both matches will be played in Satdobato.