A solitary strike from national team defender Ananta Tamang in the 15th minute was sufficient for Three Star to seal their second victory of the league. Three Star were awarded a freekick after Sushant Shrestha was fouled by an APF defender. And Tamang, who was unmarked in the 18-yard box, headed home on the resulting freekick from Mikchhen Tamang.

In the scrappy opening session, both sides squandered a number of goal-scoring opportunities. APF’s went close to scoring in the 10th minute only to see Prabin Lama's shot being saved by Three Star's Cameroonian goalkeeper Yves Priso.

Three Star then pressed forward and created a couple of chances before halftime. In the 30th minute, captain Bikram Lama did well to get to the end of a Mikchhen corner but his header was wide. Six minutes later, they had another crack at the goal but Dipesh Ghale’s powerful shot went out after crashing against the bar.

APF showed aggression when the play resumed and earned a freekick 20 minutes into the second half. But Nabin Lama failed to keep his shot low in the resulting freekick.

In the 74th minute, Bikram Lama had a chance to double the lead for Three Star but he was denied by APF goalkeeper Amrit Chaudhary. Another Three Star attempt went astray as Mikchhen’s shot landed on the woodwork.

APF continued to probe the Three Star defence in search of an equaliser and had a chance when they earned a freekick in the final minute of the regular time. But Ashish Lama’s attempt from just outside the danger zone flew over the bar.

APF's coach Rajendra Tamang said they had prepared well for the game but his players came unstuck against big opposition. "I think my players were afraid of the big name. But we will return with more confidence in the upcoming matches," said Tamang.

Three Star's Megh Raj KC said his team created several openings in either half to add more goals but failed to convert them. "The scoreline should have been higher. But it is still a good victory," said KC, adding that he had experimented with some new players and they were not able to give their hundred percent.

The victory puts Three Star within two points of leaders Manang Marshyangdi Club who have nine points from three matches. Machhindra Club are level on six points with Tribhuvan Army Club, but the former hold the superiority by virtue of better goal difference. Jawalakhel Youth Club complete the top five spots with five points.

New Road Team will play Machhindra Club at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato when the league resumes on Monday after a break. Friends Club will look to earn their first points when they meet leaders Manang in the second match at the same venue.