Machhindra Club made a winning start to their Martyrs’ Memorial ‘A’ Division League campaign, beating Brigade Boys Club 2-0 at the ANFA Complex ground in Satdobato on Saturday.

Yogesh Gurung and Dipak Rai were on the scoresheet in either half for the new-look Machhindra.

The inaugural match of the new league season, originally scheduled to take place at the Dashrath Stadium, had to be shifted to the ANFA Complex in Satdobato as the ground conditions at the Dashrath Stadium were deemed unfit to play due to overnight rainfall on Friday.

Machhindra, studded with top recruits, including former Nepal captain Biraj Maharjan, Nepal Under-23 captain Sujal Shrestha and Nepal Under-19 captain Rejin Subba, went close to scoring in the 20th minute. But Ranjit Dhimal's freekick from just outside the box ricocheted off the left pole.

Ten minutes on, the woodwork initially denied Machhindra as Bishal Rai’s shot crashed against the post. But Yogesh Gurung, who was well positioned inside the box, made no mistake as he put the ball away for a 1-0 lead.

Machhindra dominated the proceedings and Dipak Rai went close to doubling their lead on the stroke of halftime. But Brigade custodian Bishal Sunar made a good save to deny the Machhindra winger.

Machhindra maintained pressure on the opposition to double their lead in the 50th minute. Dhimal’s measured cross set Dipak Rai free inside the area and the winger beat the Brigade Boys ’keeper with a tap-in.

Under constant pressure from their more industrious opposition, Brigade Boys were rooted to their own half.

In the 70th minute, Dhimal picked out Abhiskek Rijal with another intelligent cross inside the area but the joint-top scorer in the 13th South Asian Games failed to keep his header low.

Brigade Boys then showed some urgency and won a couple of freekicks, but they could not produce anything out of them. Their Anil Gurung then had three successive attempts in the 75th minute—all inside the area. But Machhindra defenders kept them at bay.

Two minutes from time, Jaya Gurung had a chance for a consolation goal for Brigade Boys. But his thumping shot from outside the box was denied by a fingertip save from Machhindra ’keeper Bishal Shrestha.

“First match of the league is certainly difficult for everyone. But we are happy with the three points today,” Machhindra coach Prabesh Katuwal said, after the match.

“Our ambition is to win the league, and we are pleased with the kind of start we have made today. There still are areas we have to work on,” added Katuwal. “The team will gel further as the competition progresses.”

Man-of-the-match Bishal Rai, who won the league with Manang Marshyangdi Club last season, agreed with his coach.

“I am happy with the way we have begun our season. But the team have a fresh look, with players joining in from different clubs. We’ve got to gel well yet and display the kind of football we want to,” Rai added.

“We want to win the league, but even if we don’t lift the trophy, I am absolutely certain of a top-three place.”

Despite the loss, Brigade Boys coach Khagendra Pun put up a brave face. “This is a very young side. The way the boys played against one of the title favourites gives me confidence that we will meet our objectives this season,” he said, referring to their target of finishing among the top six on the league table.

“We created several chances in the match but failed to convert them. A goal would have shifted the momentum,” said Pun, adding that their new recruits, including experienced campaigners Uttam Gurung and Anil Gurung, had shown a lot of promise. “Their presence will help create balance in the squad.”

Meanwhile, Sunday's league matches between Sankata and Chyasal Youth Club, and Tribhuvan Army Club and Friends Club have been postponed by a day due to a friendly match. League champions Manang Marshyangdi Club will play the mixed team from the Japanese Football League, at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato. The match kicks off at 3pm.