Based on their performances so far, Machhindra FC and Laligurans Association Club are two of the favourites in the National League.

When they came face to face at ANFA Complex on Monday, they played some good football, befitting the hype they have created since the start of the league. But both teams failed to score a goal in the highly-anticipated contest.

Speaking after the match, Machhindra’s head coach Prabesh Katuwal praised Laligurans. “They are playing as an organised team,” he said. “We knew it would be difficult to score against them. We tried our best, but we could not [score].”

Katuwal added that Machhindra were looking for three points nevertheless. “But based on today’s game and the fight Laligurans put up, we can somehow be satisfied,” he said.

Laligurans’ head coach Kiran Shrestha said that he was satisfied with the draw.

“We knew it would not be easy against Machhindra,” Shrestha said in the post-match press conference. “We planned to either win or draw, but not to lose. The boys played well, and I am happy with their performance.”

Laligurans created some chances but none could be converted.

Similarly, Machhindra found the back of the net twice against Laligurans, but the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. Machhindra could not capitalise on a couple of other chances, where the shooter was onside.

Laligurans’ goalkeeper Kumba Deuba made several good saves to deny a goal to Machhindra. Likewise, Laligurans’ centre back, the tall and experienced Iskandar Siddikjonov from Uzbekistan, stood as a wall before Deuba.

“Iskandar is like a second coach in the team,” Shrestha said of Iskandar, who is often seen screaming gameplans during the match. “Iskandar has good experience playing in the top level of Uzbekistan club football alongside Bangladesh. His experience has made a big impact on the team.”

On February 6, the day before the league goes on a 15-day break, Laligurans and Machhindra have a match each. Laligurans are facing Satdobato Youth Club, and Machhindra will play Shree Bhagawati Club.

Machhindra are currently at the top of the table with 13 points from six matches, while Laligurans are fourth with 11 points. Tribhuvan Army FC are third with 11 points, besting Laligurans on goal difference. At second position are Armed Police Force FC with 12 points from four matches.

“Transfer window opens during the 15-day break, and we are planning to add some Nepali players who are currently playing abroad,” Katuwal said.

The break was scheduled for ANFA elections, mofussil tournaments (gold cups) and National Games. However, ANFA elections and the 10th National Games are not taking place in previously scheduled time.

On the other hand, Satdobato Youth Club and Chitlang FC also played a goalless draw in the first match on Monday. Both have five points each from a win and two draws from five matches.

There are three matches on Tuesday. The first match between Nawa Jana Jagriti Yuwa Club and Jawalakhel Youth Club will be played at Dasharath Stadium at 2pm, while the second match of the day is between New Road Team and APF FC at ANFA Complex at 3pm. The last match of Tuesday, between Manang Marsyangdi Club and Sankata FC, kicks off at 6:30pm at Dasharath Stadium.