Church Boys United threw away a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 against relegation strugglers Himalayan Sherpa Club in the Martyrs Memorial A-Division League at the Chyasal Stadium in Lalitpur on Monday.

Anjan Bista had given CBU the lead in the 12th minute but Abayomi Oluwaseun Fakunle equalised in the 35th minute to decelerate the leaders’ title march.

CBU still lead the 14-team table with 37 points from 20 matches and now face a threat from a revitalised Machhindra side who have firmly established themselves as title contenders.

Reigning champions Machhindra, who are aiming to win their third consecutive title, are three points adrift in the second position, having played an equal number of matches.

Jawalakhel are in the third position with 33 points.

At the ANFA Complex, Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Friends Club 3-0 to climb up to fifth spot. Jagajeet Shrestha and Sudil Rai scored either side of a Nawayug Shrestha penalty to give Army their seventh win of the season.

Army are level with Satdobato Youth Club on 29 points but sit below them.

The defeat puts Friends second from bottom with 21 points.