Manang put title hunt back on track with 3-0 Sankata win
The defending champions make light work of last season's runners-up to get within a point of leaders Army. Manang Marshyangdi's Anjan Bista (centre) shoots to score their second goal against Sankata during their Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League match at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Wednesday. Hemanta Shrestha
Defending champions Manang Marshyangdi Club thumped Sankata 3-0 in their Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division league match on Wednesday to put their title hunt back on track.
After remaining evenly poised for much of the first half, Manang went 1-0 up courtesy of an own goal from Sankata defender Amit Tamang in the 42nd minute. Tamang's attempt to clear the headed effort from Manang forward Anjan Bista ended in his own net.
A minute later, Bista doubled Manang's lead after rounding off Sankata custodian Binaya Shrestha.
Sankata, last season’s runners-up, tried to make a comeback in the match but failed to convert their chances. But Manang came up with a blistering counterattack to add another goal in the second half for a comfortable 3-0 win.
Nishan Limbu's right-footed shot from a difficult angle inside the area beat Shrestha in the 71st minute as Manang maintained their unbeaten run. The defending champions have yet to lose a match at the top division this season.
Manang coach Dhanesor Prajapati hailed their performance against Sankata as “the best this season”.
"After eight matches, we finally played well. This is the kind of performance expected from Manang," Prajapati said. "Boys looked driven to do well, I expect this energy and enthusiasm to continue."
"This season is very tough, all sides are doing so well. Our next match is going to be difficult," he said, adding, "We are not underestimating any side."
Sankata coach Bijay Maharjan pointed out the two goals they conceded in the space of a single minute was the turning point. "We were playing well until the 40th minute. The luck wasn't on our side as it is very difficult to make a comeback after conceding quick goals in succession," he said.
"Four matches remain in the league, our revised target is to finish among the top six," Maharjan added.
Despite the win, Manang, who are level on 19 points with second-placed Machhindra Club, remain third in the standings on disciplinary record as both sides, who played out a 2-2 draw, have an identical goal difference—having scored 13 and conceded five. Meanwhile, Sankata are eighth in the table with 12 points.
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