Reigning champions Machhindra Club are now marching toward their third consecutive Martyrs Memorial A-Division League title after they demolished Khumaltar Youth Club 3-0 to go level with the second-placed Church Boys United on Monday.

Olawale Afeez scored a brace after Andres Nia Tchounkeu opened the scoring at the ANFA Complex that gave Machhindra 30 points from 18 matches. They are now only one point away from leaders Jawalakhel. CBU have a match in hand and can open up a two-point lead, if they win against Satdobato on Tuesday.

Machhindra started their defence of the A-Division League title in March with a 19-match unbeaten streak that stretched back to the 2019-20 season when they won their historic maiden trophy.

But a patchy start to their season—losing the two first matches followed by a 0-0 draw against Manang Marshyangdi Club—had raised questions over their ambition to become the only third team winning three straight trophies after Ranipokhari Corner Team (1971-74) and eight-time champions Manang (1986-89).

But Machhindra have now firmly established themselves as favourites, thanks to a remarkable recovery that has seen them collect nine points from their last four matches. Their revival has also been aided by the inconsistent form of Jawalakhel, CBU, Three Star and Satdobato Youth Club who have taken turns to lead the table at various points of the tournament.

At ANFA ground, Afeez was involved in all three goals, assisting Tchounkeu in the 42nd minute before finding the net twice in the 77th and 83rd minutes as Machindra completed a league double over Khumaltar. Machhindra had defeated Khumaltar 7-3 in the first leg.

The defeat pits newcomers Khumaltar deeply rooted at the bottom of the table with 17 points and are three points away from safety. They have lost 11 games and conceded 42 goals—more than any other teams—this season.

At the Chyasal Stadium, Sankata Club fought back to play a 1-1 draw against Himalayan Sherpa Club after Ayush Ghalan’s 74th minute penalty cancelled out Manuel Nana Agyomang’s 50th minute lead.