Olawale brace gives title holder Machhindra first win

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 15: Defending Champions Machhindra FC bagged its first victory of the season following a 2-1 win over Nepal Police Club while Sankata Club put a full stop to Church Boys United’s winning streak by holding it to a 0-0 tie in the Martyr's Memorial A Division League on Tuesday.

Friends Club defeated 10-man Jawalakhel Youth Club by 2-1 to record its first victory of the season. 

Two goals from Afeez Olawale helped Machhindra bounce back in the league from early blushes. The win over bottom-placed Nepal Police moved the White Lions to the 12th position with four points. Police are winless till the fourth-round match of the league.  

Anjan Rai scored a consolation goal for the Police.

Rai put the Police ahead in the ninth minute. Unmarked Rai headed home the acute assist off Rabi Paswan from inside the box.

Nigerian striker Afeez marked his first match of the season by scoring an equaliser in the 20th minute for the title holders. He took advantage of the poor defence of the Police.

Afeez confirmed Machhindra's first victory in the 40th minute. He scored his second goal in the acute pass off Japanese Yuta Suzuki beating Police defender Sanjit Shrestha.

Church Boys go 1 point clear 

After a goalless draw against Sankata at ANFA Complex, Satdobato, Church Boys United managed to extend its league lead only by a point. With 10 points Church Boys tops the league standings and Satdobato Youth Club sits in second position with nine points. 

Sankata moved to the seventh position with five points from four matches.

Manish Dangi squandered a penalty in the dying minute as Sankata failed to bag straight three points from leader Church Boys. FIFA referee Prajwol Chhetri awarded a spot kick to Sankata after Church Boys defender Manoj Rai handled the ball inside the penalty box.

Church Boys shot-stopper Priso denied Dangi to rescuing his team from the first defeat.

First win for Friends

Friends Club took advantage of 10-man Jawalakhel to record a 2-1 victory at Dasarath Stadium. The victory over its city rival elevated Friends to the 11th spot with four points. Jawalakhel missed the chance to equal the points with second-placed Satdobato and remained in third position with seven points. 

Rafiq Aminu and skipper Prakash Budhathoki netted one goal apiece in a victory for the Friends. Fode Fofana scored a consolation goal for Jawalakhel.

The win, however, was not satisfactory for Friend’s Coach Urjen Shrestha. 

"We earned vital three points from the Jawalakhel but I am not happy with the performance of my boys today. We made a good beginning and scoring on time helped us to register our first victory. 

Nevertheless, we have to improve many things in the team.  To boost the morale of the player this victory was necessary for us," Coach Shrestha said.

Jawalakhel’s Coach Sunil Shrestha blamed referee Chhetri for showing a red card during the match.

"The unnecessary red card from the referee put us under pressure for the next match," Coach Shrestha said.

Rafiq opened an account for Friends in the 19th minute. He scored in the rebound of Jawalakhel goalie Anish Deula, who parried away the powerful strike of skipper Budhathoki.

Captain Budhathoki doubled the tally for Friends in the 40th minute. His one touch to the cross ball off Laxman Ruchal kissed the net.

Fode Fofana cut the deficit for Jawalakhel in the 87th minute through a penalty. Jawalakhel received a penalty after Amit Tamang of Friends brought down Samir Raj Thokar inside the box.

Jawalakhel was one man down after its skipper Simant Thapa faced a second yellow card in the dying minute of the match.