A brilliant second-half header from Uttam Rai saw Friends Club earn their first point in the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League, as they held the defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club to a 1-1 draw in at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Monday.

The Friends who are level on one point with Armed Police Force, but are still rooted to their overnight position—second from the bottom—on worse goal difference.

Manang, on the other hand, continue to lead the standings with 10 points, a point above second-placed Machhindra Club.

Ranjan Bista had put the defending champions ahead in the 11th minute, also through a header after meeting a cross served in by veteran forward Jagajeet Shrestha. Manang led the first half 1-0.

Friends were successful in containing Manang early in the second half before Rai’s spectacular header met with the cross fired in by Rumesh Bartaula, putting them on a level in the 63rd minute. Both sides had several opportunities in the closely-contested battle, but neither side could capitalise on their chances and settle for a draw.

Brazilian coach of Friends Marcus Dantos was relatively at ease in comparison to previous post-match press conferences. “The result today makes the tournament interesting,” he said. “I have been reiterating that this team will grow step-by-step, and today the players played a different brand of football with better technique and positioning.”

Manang’s Nigerian coach Fuja Tope wasn’t as upbeat as Dantos.

“It is as good as we lost it,” he said. “This is just a jinx that still has not been broken. We planned to win, but we had to satisfy with a draw.” Tope was referring to the team’s last season’s defeat to the same side.

Earlier, the Machhindra Club had temporarily climbed to the top spot after a stoppage-time win against the New Road Team. Somide Oluwawunmi Adelaja scored through a header in the additional time, earning them three precious points. Machhindra now have nine points from four matches. Meanwhile, NRT have four points from four matches and are placed sixth in the standings. It was their second defeat of the season.

Before the solitary goal of the match, Machhindra had completely dominated proceedings against a very defensive NRT. However, the star-studded Machhindra side failed to convert their chances.

Their coach Prabesh Katuwal was content with the three points.

“We are very happy with the result,” he said. “But we should have converted the chances we had created.”

His counterpart Raju Kaji Shakya was, however, not satisfied with his team's display. “We had a strategy in place, but we could not execute it well,” he said.

Chyasal Youth Club play against Jawalakhel Youth Club in the first match on Tuesday followed by a clash between the Himalayan Sherpa Club and the Brigade Boys Club. All matches of the fourth round of the League are being played at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato because Dashrath Stadium is being prepared to host the inauguration of Nepal Tourism Year 2020.