Football
Sahukhala brace helps Chyasal to 2-2 draw with Police
The veteran forward becomes the first player ever to complete the 100th goal in the country’s top-tier league.Prarambha Dahal
Santosh Sahukhala scored on either side of half time to help Chyasal Youth Club salvage a point against Nepal Police Club in their Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League match at the Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday. Police, despite leading twice in the match, relinquished their lead to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Nir Kumar Rai volleyed in a pass from Suman Lama to put the departmental side ahead in the fifth minute before Sahukhala equalised 13 minutes later. The strike also marked the former Nepal forward's 100th goal in the league's history, making him the only player to reach the feat. Sahukhala had found the back of the net three times in Chyasal's first two matches of the league this season.
Lama reinstated Police's lead five minutes from half time, finding the top right-hand corner with a brilliant effort. But their joy was shortlived as Sahukhala brought Chaysal on level terms yet again in the 49th minute. Taking a cross from Hemanta Thapa Magar into his stride, the Chyasal striker calmly slotted home from a close range.
Sahukhala had a few opportunities for a hat-trick but failed to do so as the two sides had to settle for a draw.
"A win for Chyasal was more important than reaching the 100th goal mark," Sahukhala said after the match, dropping a hint that he was vying for a place in the national squad. "I will return to Nepal if I am required by the national team," said the veteran forward, who has been living in Japan for the past four years. He last played for the national team in 2015 against India.
Chyasal’s improved performance has impressed coach Bal Gopal Sahukhala, Santosh’s elder brother. "Poor showing in the last two matches put us under pressure. Ideally, three points would have been better today. It [result] is a morale booster, nevertheless," the coach said, underscoring the team’s objective—to finish inside the top four. "We now have to build upon this result as the tournament progresses."
Police coach Ananta Raj Thapa, however, was left pondering after his side gave away a point after leading the match twice. "We were playing for a win. But sadly, we had to settle for a single point," he said.
Thapa also said the players struggled for proper footing due to rain. "There were some technical issues in the way we played today, but we must also acknowledge the fact that Chyasal played well,” he said, lauding Santosh’s feat.
Chyasal Youth Club are ninth in the standings with five points from a win and two draws in five matches. Police are sixth in the table with eight points from two wins and two draws.
Earlier in the day, Three Star Club had secured a 3-1 win over Brigade Boys Club. Three Star have climbed third in the standings with 10 points while Brigade are seventh with six points.
Sankata Club play the Armed Police Force at noon on Thursday, followed by the match between Tribhuvan Army Club and Saraswoti Youth Club at 3pm. Both the matches will be played at the Dashrath Stadium.