Manang edge past Friends to go top

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr 8: A 2-0 victory over Friends Club put the eight-time league champion Manang Marsyangdi on top and a 2-2 draw against FC Khumaltar denied Jawalakhel Youth Club a pole position at Martyr’s Memorial A Division League.

A win at Chyasal Stadium on Friday moved Manang to the summit for the first time this season after collecting 14 points from six matches.

Jawalakhel could have gone two points clear at the top with a win but a draw with its city rival dropped it down to second place in a goal difference. Jawalakhel also has 14 points from seven matches.

Friends Club is in the 12th place with four points from six matches while Khumaltar sits in the ninth position with seven points from seven matches.

Koffi Timothee Koudo netted a brace to help Manang bag its fourth victory. Manang is unbeaten till the sixth round.

Koffi took advantage of poor defence from Friends to put Manang ahead in the 34 minutes from inside the box.

He doubled the tally in the 52 minutes beating opponent goalie Bishal Sunar and defenders in an acute assist from Sumit Shrestha.

Jawalakhel missed the opportunity to maintain its lead at ANFA Complex, Lalitpur today.

Abhishek Limbu and Pierre Jean Marie Messouke netted one goal apiece for Khumaltar. Nkoto Synous and Fode Fofana scored for Jawalakhel.

Nkoto opened an account for Jawalakhel in 33 minutes. Jawalakhel’s joy was short-lived as Khumaltar restored the parity two minutes later from Limbu.

Pierre Jean put Khumaltar ahead in the 63rd minute, making the score line 2-1.

Fode Fofana rescued Jawalakhel from a defeat as he scored an equaliser five minutes from the final whistle.