They grab a 1-0 win as leaders fail to capitalise on slip-up of rivals Machhindra, Jawalakhel.

The home team lose five-set thriller 28-30, 25-16, 25-15, 18-25, 7-15 against Kazakhstan in the semi-final of CAVA Volleyball.

The football governing body has only provided the first installment of the total match preparation money to the clubs, Sankata President Tuladhar says.

Maharjan’s men play out a 0-0 draw against Manang. A 4-0 rout of Satdobato moves Friends out of drop zone.

The hosts suffer a 12-25, 24-26, 25-21, 21-25 defeat to finish second in Group ‘A’. Kazakhstan beat Uzbekistan 24-26, 25-16, 25-11, 25-18 to top Group ‘B’.

Machhindra—who are aiming to lift their third title in three seasons—have reestablished themselves as the title contenders following a slow start to their season.

Hosts Nepal thump Bangladesh and India crush Kyrgyzstan as both advance to the last four with a match each in hand in the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Challenge Cup.

A revitalised Police side have now remained unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches, with six of their total seven wins this season also coming from the last 10.

Rohit Paudel’s side next take on the US on June 20 and West Indies on June 22 before their final group stage match against the Netherlands on June 24.

The home team, who were playing their first international match since 2021, pull off a straight set victory of 25-11, 25-19, 25-11 over Kyrgyzstan.

Anjan Bista had given CBU the lead in the 12th minute but Abayomi Oluwaseun Fakunle equalised in the 35th minute to decelerate the leaders’ title march.

Nepal have been drawn in Group A alongside West Indies, hosts Zimbabwe, Netherlands, and the United States.

The two-time champions are expected to face stern challenges due to the addition of India and Kazakhstan.

The general assembly of the Coordination Committee held on Friday elected Aryal, a journalist associated with Kantipur Publications, unopposed for a second term.

Army athlete Pal clocked 1 hour 6 minutes and 45 seconds while Police runner Pachhai finished in 1 hour 19 minutes and 16 seconds to win gold medals.