Reigning champions Machhindra FC suffered a second loss in as many matches after they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Tribhuvan Army Club in the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League football match at the Chyasal Stadium on Thursday.

Machhindra were licking the wounds of their shock 3-1 opening defeat by Jawalakhel Youth Club on Sunday—which also ended the holders and two-time champions’ 19-match unbeaten streak in the league.

Army added to their early trouble after Deepak Gurung and Nawayug Shrestha found the net twice in the space of 11 minutes after the restart.

The win gave the departmental side their first win of the season.

Both Army and Machhindra lacked edge in the first half despite ample opportunities.

But Army put a sorry Machhindra to the sword after the break when Gurung headed in a corner in the 48th minute and Shrestha furthered the advantage ten minutes later from the spot kick.

It may be too early to say that a winless start to their defence of the A-Division League title has punctured their hopes of winning a third consecutive title.

But Machhindra, who did not lose a single match—winning 11 and drawing two—last season on the way to trophy, will now need an early reset as they prepare to face Manang Marshyangdi Club, Nepal Police Club and unlikely pacesetters Church Boys United—who are having a dream run in their debut campaign—in the next three rounds.

Jawalakhel are also having their best days as they beat New Road Team (NRT) 2-1 to maintain their winning streak in the league at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato.

Simanta Thapa put Jawalakhel in front in the 68th minute after his acrobatic effort from the edge of the area found the back of the net, thanks to a weak defending from NRT that allowed Abdulaziz Nishonbaev’s long free kick to drop and bounce off for Thapa, who beautifully volleyed over goalkeeper Pujan Hona.

It was Thapa’s second goal for Jawalakhel this edition.

Fode Fofana doubled the lead in the 77th minute. Samiraj Thokar dispossessed Gaurav Shrestha just outside of the box and set up unmarked Fofana, who drilled his right-footed shot on the top corner.

Sanjeeb Bista fired low into the near post in the 80th minute, two minutes after coming in as a second-half substitute, to reduce the deficit, but NRT could not find an equaliser and faced a second straight loss.

Jawalakhel are equal on points with Church Boys.

Church Boys take on Himalayan Sherpa and other newcomers Khumaltar face Three Star Club on Friday.