Defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club and Machhindra Club played out a 2-2 draw after a see-saw battle in their Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League match at the Dashrath Stadium on Monday. The match, however, ended on a sour note with a clash between rival players and officials.

Manang’s Nigerian forward Femi Joshua Adewumi headed in an accurate cross from Anjan Bista in the second minute. Bista was playing his first match after serving a 45-day ANFA ban for players’ code violation. The league leaders hardly had anything promising in the first half as they indulged in a physical game.

Machhindra responded to the goal, going close to finding an equaliser in the first half itself. But a couple of freekicks from Ranjit Dhimal could not produce anything substantial, while Abhishek Rijal’s header was off target three minutes before halftime.

Machhindra showed more attacking intent when the match resumed after the break. Their sustained effort produced an equaliser in the 46th minute. Somide Oluwawunmi set up a nice ball for Sujal Shrestha and the Nepal Under-23 captain calmly slotted home. The former Manang player did not celebrate the goal, though.

After wasting a few chances for a lead, Machhindra took the lead for the first time in the 81st minute after a Manang defensive error. And Somide put it away to put Machhindra 2-1 ahead.

But Machhindra failed to close down the match for three points. A poor communication between their defenders and goalkeeper resulted in a corner two minutes before the regulation time. After a poor clearance of Jagjeet Shrestha’s initial corner, the forward centred another cross which was converted by Bimal Rana to ignite loud cheers from Manang fans.

The draw means both the teams remain unbeaten with Manang leading the table on 11 points, a point above Machhindra in the league standings. The match, however, had an ugly closure as security guards and even policemen had to intervene to separate the fighting players and club officials.

“It was a clear lack of professionalism by the players,” said Machhindra coach Prabesh Katuwal, reacting to the incident after the game. “Only Dipak Rai and Jagjeet Shrestha know about what happened between them which led to scenes that football does not deserve.”

“Players should be aggressive in football, but it should be technical and not physical. Players of both the clubs seemed to be lacking it,” he said. “It could be because of the fact that we have several players who previously played for Manang.”

“I am not happy with the result as a win today would have made the difference of six points,” said Katuwal, adding, “We played well in the second half but the defensive blunder let Manang score an equaliser.”

“The result makes it a bit difficult for us, but we are still in the title race. We will continue with our ambitions and spirit,” Katuwal said.

Manang coach Dhaneswor Prajapati conceded that things got the better of players on the spur of the moment. “We try to control our players but there are some instances when things go out of control,” he said. Manang's substitute goalkeeper Ashok Baral was issued a red card after the match for his involvement in the fracas.

On having to share the points Prajapati said, “We knew that their strength lay in their wings and were good in controlling them.”

Earlier in the day, Jawalakhel Youth Club and New Road Team also shared points after their match ended in a goalless stalemate. The result meant Jawalakhel remain unbeaten alongside Manang and Machhindra in the league. They are fourth in the standings with nine points, while NRT are eighth with five points.

Friends Club play Himalayan Sherpa Club in the only league match scheduled for a 3 pm kick-off at the Dashrath Stadium on Tuesday.