Machhindra club eased to a 3-1 win against Satdobato Youth Club and slashed the gap to leaders Martyrs Memorial A-Division League leaders Church Boys United to two points on Wednesday.

Olawale Afeez scored all three goals for Machhindra at the ANFA Complex that gave the reigning champions 39 points from 23 matches.

League debutants CBU are on a roller-coaster season, reaching and maintaining unexpected heights. They are within striking distance for a historic title with three matches remaining but they must first face a tricky fixture against a Jawalakhel side who are also bidding to win their maiden A-Division trophy.

Machhindra next face a tough task against a revitalised Nepal Police Club, who flirted with relegation zone for 16 rounds before surging as high as fourth position, a day later.

With Police all but out of contention for top finish, the title race has now become a three-way battle and none of the top three teams can afford to lose, especially Jawalakhel, who are at the most disadvantage.

One thing will be certain when CBU and Jawalakhel clash on Saturday. Jawalakhel are four points behind the leaders and must defeat in-form CBU or crash out of the title race.

Machhindra, who are aiming to lift their third consecutive trophy, will be keenly observing the CBU vs Jawalakhel game and will secretly plot CBU’s downfall as they look to occupy the top position for the first time this season—which they can attain with a win over Police should CBU lose momentum.

Machhindra started their defence of the title with a horror show losing their first two matches but have gradually become a force to reckon with again and Afeez made sure of the champions’ intent scoring his second hat-trick of the season.

It took the Nigerian forward 17 minutes to open the scoring, heading a brilliantly lofted pass from Diwakar Chaudhary past puzzled Satdobato goalkeeper Abishek Baral.

Afeez doubled Machhindra’s lead in the fourth minute of first half injury time when his left-footed shot from the right of the six-yard box deflected off the inside of foot of resisting Ekraj Budhathoki before fooling glovesman Baral.

Top scorer Afeez then added his 18th goal of the season, coolly finishing a pass from Yuta Suzuki after Andres Nia Tchounkeu fed the Japanese with a through pass.

Jordan Pun Magar netted the consolation goal for Satdobato, taking advantage of Machhindra’s switched off defenders to convert a pass from Sushil Lama.

Satdobato lie in the seventh position with 29 points.

At Chyasal Stadium, Three Star Club’s poor run of form continued in a 0-0 draw against Sankata Club.

The outcome meant Three Star are now without a win in their last 12 matches and the four-time champions are in danger of relegation for the first time in their league history. They sit in the 11th position with 27 points, three above safety.

Sankata are in the 12th position, also on 27 points.

Friends Club and Khumaltar Youth Club lie in the drop zone but have played a game less. Friends face Himalayan Sherpa Club and Khumaltar take on Manang Marshyangdi Club on Thursday.