Chyasal Youth Club could not protect their lead in the crucial Martyrs’ Memorial ‘A’ Division League match against Machhindra Club as the two title contenders settled for a 1-1 draw on Friday.

Former Nepal forward Santosh Sahukhala put Chyasal ahead in the 27th minute. Shaukhala beat three defenders in scoring a spectacular left-footed half volley from outside the area comfortably beating Machhindra custodian Bishal Shrestha.

Bishal Rai could have equalized for Machhindra three minutes later but his attempt could not get past Chyasal goalkeeper Alan Neupane. Joint top scorer of the previous season, left-back Ranjit Dhimal came close to bringing the star-studded Janabahal based club in level terms in the 36th minute, but his attempt from a freekick lacked adequate dip and landed on the roof of the post.

Chyasal were clinical in maintaining their shape and did not provide any goalscoring opponents as the first-half ended with Machhindra trailing by a solitary stunner.

Machhindra, however, shifted gears in the second half and kept piling pressure on Chyasal from the very beginning.

Joint top scorer of the men’s football tournament at the 13th South Asian Games, Abhishek Rijal who was largely unnoticed in the first half found the back of the net in the 51st minute. However, the goal didn’t stand as Rijal was adjudged offside by the linesman. Three minutes later, Dhimal found an unmarked Bishal Rai inside the area but Rai couldn’t direct the ball past Neupane.

Dhimal had another opportunity from a dead ball situation in the 84th minute from just outside the 18-yard area. However, the defender who is recognized for his abilities from free-kicks hit the wall.

Machhindra, however, continued to pile pressure. With a minute left for the regulation full-time whistle, Devendra Tamang equalized for Machhindra from inside the area scored. Chyasal had lost their defensive composure as Tamang was found unmarked by Rai.

Chyasal’s Japanese defender Taiga Nakamura could have reinstated their lead in the additional time, but his attempt from a free-kick just outside the area met with an impressive save from Shrestha.

“The match went the way we expected, we knew it was going to be tough and our chances of winning were 50-50. We have to be content with the point against a strong Machhindra side,” said Bal Gopal Sahukhala, coach of Chyasal and the elder brother of their veteran forward Santosh.

Bal Gopal added: “We were defensive in the second half to protect our lead, but boys looked fatigued and tired as the match progressed. However, we must also consider the fact that we were playing against quality opponents who were determined to earn a point.”

On his team’s performance, he said, “Our Japanese players are just getting used to Nepali conditions. The Nepali boys are yet to understand their movement. I’m sure the team will start showing beautiful football once they begin to gel well.”

Praising the Chyasal side, Machhindra coach Prabesh Katuwal lamented, “You get limited opportunities playing against good teams. Chyasal have very good players and we failed to convert the chances we had. We must get better in converting our opportunities.”

“We are content with the point, we have a long season ahead. This draw does not really hurt our title aspirations as a lot of matches are yet to be played,” said Katuwal.

In the other match of the league played at the Dashrath Stadium, Brigade Boys Club secured their first win as two late goals from Jay Gurung and Roshan Rana Magar helped them brush aside Friends Club 2-0. Friends have yet to open their account in the league standings.