CMG Club Sankata climbed to second in the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Srinath Collection Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) here at the Dashrath Stadium on Thursday.

Nishan Gurung scored a brace late in the second-half to set up Sankata’s third consecutive win, in a game in which the already-relegated RCT battled hard to end their dismal campaign on a positive note.The win takes Sankata to second with 22 points from 12 games, having played a game more than third-placed Laxmi Bank Three Star Club who have 21. RCT finished their campaign at the bottom with four points from 12 games. Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club lead the standings with 26 points.

Nishan Gurung broke the deadlock in the 86th minute after captain Salyan Khadgi found the unmarked winger inside the area, whose shot crossed the goaline after hitting the gloves of RCT goalkeeper Nabin Maharjan. Gurung then sealed Sankata’s win after he pounced on Pradip Malla’s poor clearance to fire home into the top corner in the 89th minute.

RCT coach Baiju Nath Kapali praised his side’s fighting spirit and urged his players to continue playing with a positive mindset in the future. 

Earlier, Yeti Himalayan Sherpa Club (HSC) and Simrik Saraswoti Youth Club (SYC) failed to climb to sixth position after their 0-0 draw in a game that saw SYC denied by the woodwork thrice. 

The stalemate keeps Himalayan Sherpa in seventh with 16 points from 12 games while SYC are on eighth with 15 points. Sixth-placed Machhindra Club will have the opportunity to secure a place in the Super Six if they manage to earn at least a draw against Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club on Friday.

Rana resigns

NIBL Friends Club President Ratna Shamsher Rana has tendered his resignation from the post of ANFA  Joint General Secretary on Thursday. In a statement, Rana accused ANFA (All Nepal Football Association) for taking sides with some clubs in the ongoing Martyrs Memorial League. He also criticised “some ANFA officials” imposing decisions against his wills. He also expressed resentment over the ANFA elections.