Church Boys United on Tuesday confirmed their promotion to the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League for the 2022/2023 season after a 5-1 thrashing of Bansbari Club secured them the ‘B’ Division League title.

Simon Limbu led the rout at the ANFA Complex netting four goals as Church Boys ensured they finished on top of the 14-team standings with still a match in hand.

Their eight wins and two draws left Church Boys five points clear of the second-placed Ranipokhari Corner Team, who boosted their chance for a return to the ‘A’ Division League with a 2-1 comeback win over Saraswoti Youth Club.

RCT have 21 points and have a match left. They can secure their promotion to the ‘A’ Division for the first time since 2013/14 season with a win over Tusal Youth Club in their final league match.

The defeat ended Saraswoti’s any remaining hopes of returning to the ‘A’ Division a year after getting relegated as they now are four points adrift of RCT after playing 12 matches. Bikram Bisunkhe had given Saraswoti advantage in the 10th minute. But Amar Dangol equalised in the 25th and Amrit Gurung secured their important victory with a late strike.

Khumaltar Youth Club are fourth on 16 points but have two matches in hand. They, too, fancy a slim chance of promotion but need to win both their matches and hope RCT lose their crunch game.

It has been a remarkable journey for Church Boys who—founded only 13 years ago—will be in the country’s top-tier league for the first time in their history and did so in their first season in the ‘B’ Division League. They were the ‘C’ Division League champions in the 2021 season.

In a one-sided affair, Limbu headed in a cross from Bikku Rai in the 7th minute to open the floodgates in Satdobato. Chaudhary doubled the advantage in the 17th minute converting a pass from Bibek Poudel, and Church Boys were already commanding a 4-0 lead before the break after Limbu added two more goals, one of which came through the spot kick in the 41st minute, four minutes after their third.

Sanjeev Dhimal pulled a consolation goal for Bansbari just before the hour mark.

Limbu then rounded off their marvellous campaign in style, scoring from another penalty kick.