Satdobato Youth Club defeated newboys Khumaltar Youth Club 2-1 to climb to the top of the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League on Thursday.

Sardorbek Matmuratov and Dipak Raj Singh Thakuri were on target for Satdobato at the Chyasal Stadium.

Matmuratov put Satdobato ahead in the 13th minute, thanks to a poor defending by Khumaltar that allowed William Opoku Asiedu to set up the Uzbek—who was left unmarked—for a header inside the box following a short corner.

Thakuri then doubled Satdobato’s lead in the 25th minute tapping a pass from Ghanaian midfielder Abdul Latif Abubakari, who was left free to run behind the defenders and meet a long free kick from Asiedu. It was Thakuri’s fourth goal of the season.

Satdobato’s Niraj Chaudhary had a chance to further Satdobato’s advantage three minutes later but his low shot from the edge of the box went wide.

Khumaltar cut the deficit after the break through Rajiv Lopchan who half-volleyed a rebound after Binong’s header cannoned off the crossbar.

The league debutants had an opportunity to equalise in the 87th minute when Marie Messouke Oloumou lined up substitute Manish Thapa for a header but he ended up heading wide.

Their fourth victory in the fifth match helped Satdobato replace Church Boys—also league debutants—on top with 12 points.

Church Boys United (CBU)—the only second team to have stayed unbeaten after record eight-time champions Manang Marshyangdi Club—have 10 points with a match in hand.

CBU are having a dream run in the league, winning three and drawing one, but will face a reality check when they meet reigning champions Machhindra on Friday.

Machhindra have had a terrible start to their defence of the A-Division League title as they have lost their first two matches but are finding their form gradually. Machhindra lie in the 12th position with one win, one draw and two losses.

Manang, who have also played a match less than the leaders, remain in their tail on eight points as they look to win their record nine league titles.

In the other action of the day, Himalayan Sherpa and Sankata Club played a 0-0 draw in a match of few opportunities at the ANFA Complex.

Sankata’s Ayush Ghalan forced a save in the 26th minute but the best chance of the first half came for Sherpa in the 44th minute when Nisan Limbu fired well over the bar.

Roshan Pahari showed precision and control to threaten the Sherpa goal with a right-footed volley in the 80th minute but goalkeeper Biwash Chaudhary came to the rescue with a diving save.