Bimal Gharti Magar scored a last-gasp goal as Machhindra fought back for a 1-1 draw against Himalayan Sherpa Club in the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Thursday.

Satyam Sharma had given the Sherpa the lead late in the second half from the spot kick but Gharti Magar left it even more late to save the reigning champions from another heartbreak.

This season has not been kind to Machhindra as they began the defence of their title with two consecutive defeats.

The reigning champions have shown some signs of revival of late remaining unbeaten in four matches but a third draw still leaves them limping in the 10th position with just six points—seven adrift of leaders Jawalakhel Youth Club, who have 13 points.

Bhutan national team captain Chencho Gyeltshen started in his debut and impressed with his skills and footwork but the Machhindra still missed the firepower that they must find if they are to show their intent for another title.

It was the same story for Sherpa until the 14th minute when Abayomi Oluwaseun Fakunle showed his pace and sprint to dance towards the edge of the area, cut inside to find the space between the Machhindra defenders but the Nigerian ended up firing over the bar. It was the only moment Sherpa had before the break.

At the other end, Gharti Magar tried from distance to surprise the Sherpa goalkeeper in the 27th minute but Kishor Giri was too aware to block the shot with a diving effort.

Afeez Olawale Oladipo missed a chance to put Machhindra in front in the 39th minute when Gyeltshen set him up inside the penalty box with a quick-witted pass but Nigeria's weak shot was easily saved by Giri.

Sherpa’s best opportunity came in the 53rd minute. After Sushil Rai dispossessed Utsab Rai on the left, Khamir Gilsan Kandangwa bulldozed towards the goal and cut back for Fakunle but Utsab made amends with a crucial block. Sharma found the rebound but could not keep the ball in the target.

The most of the second half was a drab affair. But the game suddenly burst into life when Sherpa was awarded a penalty after Tshring Gurung handled the ball inside the box. Sharma stepped up and sent goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha the wrong way in the 86th minute to pile pressure on Machhindra.

Second half substitute Bijay Bhujel had his moment to level the score in the 89th minute when he beat Sherpa goalie Giri who had come off the box to clear the ball but defender Sanjeet Rai was in the thick of it to ward off Bhujel’s effort.

And when it seemed Machhindra were on the verge of another defeat Gharti Magar came to a big rescue, thanks to a mix up in the Sherpa box.

Goalie Giri and Sanjeet Rai collided with each other while trying to clear a pass from Gurung and Gharti Magar rose to the occasion and punished Sherpa with an overhead kick in the fourth minute of injury time.

Sherpa lie in the ninth position with six points.

At the Chyasal stadium, Three Star Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 1-0 to remain firmly in the contest for the top race.

Ajayi Martins scored the decisive goal in the 17th minute with a beautiful finish after Bikram Lama put him through.

Their third victory of the season means Three Star are level with fifth-place Armed Police Force Club on 10 points but stay below on goal difference.

Church Boys United—the only team to have maintained their unbeaten streak so far—are second with 12 points. Satdobato Youth Club also has 12 points but sits in third.

Manang are fourth with 11 points but have played less games.

Winless Nepal Police Club and New Road Team are in the relegation zone.