Leaders Jawalakhel Youth Club missed their chance to widen the gap on top after they were held to a 1-1 draw against strugglers Sankata Club in Satdobato as the first half of the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League 2023 came to a close on Sunday.
Originally scheduled for Saturday, the clash between Jawalakhel and Sankata was postponed to Sunday after heavy rains and an unplayable outfield halted their match five minutes into the second half at the Chyasal Stadium.
Jawalakhel were leading 1-0 when the remaining minutes resumed at the ANFA Complex, with Fode Fonana putting the leaders ahead in the 33rd minute, heading in a free kick from Rahul Rahul.
Nishan Khadka equalised in the 73rd minute when he hoofed a 20-yard long-ranger over the back-pedalling Jawalakhel goalkeeper and into the top corner.
Jawalakhel have now twice thrown away their chance to cement their position on top. They had suffered a surprise 2-1 loss against relegation-threatened Himalayan Sherpa Club last week.
Satdobato Youth Club failed to take advantage of Jawalakhel’s recent flump as they played a goalless stalemate with the reigning champions Machhindra Club at the Dasharath Stadium late in the day, meaning Jawalakhel still lead the team standings with 24 points.
Three Star Club and Satdobato are two points behind in second and third positions, respectively.
Tribhuvan Army Club were also held to a 1-1 draw by Sherpa at the Dasharath Stadium.
Their match too, was postponed until Sunday due to rain after 27 minutes of the second half was played at the Dasharath Stadium.
Army had taken the lead seconds into the game when Nawayug Shrestha headed a cross from Gillespye Jung Karki.
Biswash Shrestha cancelled Shrestha’s lead, brilliantly scoring a free kick in the 55th minute.
Sherpa moved out of the relegation zone with 14 points.
Manang Marshyangdi Club’s misery continued on Sunday as well after they succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of debutants Church Boys United at the ANFA Complex.
The record eight-time champions have now lost six matches in a row—their worst record in their league history.
Captain Ananta Tamang returned to the starting XI after missing the last three matches and opened the scoring in the 41st minute with a header from just outside of the six-yard box off a Sushil Shah’s cross.
CBU doubled their lead in the 55th minute when Mausham Subba, who was left unmarked, drilled a shot past Manang goalkeeper Deep Karki into the back of the net after he was set up by Ranjeet Singh Pandre.
Second-half substitute Saimon Limbu poked a low shot into the far post in the fifth minute of the injury time for an emphatic victory.
The win sent CBU to fourth position in the team standings with 21 points and firmly in position for the title race.
Manang, meanwhile, dropped to the 10th position, one point behind Sankata, who are in ninth spot.
7.12°C Kathmandu
