Sports
MMC’s losing run continues
‘A’ Division giants Manang Marshyandi Club’s (MMC) poor run continued in the knockout tournament as they succumbed to 1-0 defeat against Nepal APF Club to crash out from their first match of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament at the Pokhara Stadium on Saturday.Deepak Pariyar
‘A’ Division giants Manang Marshyandi Club’s (MMC) poor run continued in the knockout tournament as they succumbed to 1-0 defeat against Nepal APF Club to crash out from their first match of the Aaha-Rara Gold Cup football tournament at the Pokhara Stadium on Saturday.
The Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League champions MMC are yet to win a silverware in knock outs despite participating in about half a dozen of tournaments outside the capital. The five-time champions conceded goal in the 70th minute which turned out to be the decider to send the star-studded back home. APF’s Pradip Lama, left unmarked, made a free header to convert winger Santosh Shrestha corner and book semi-final spot in the event.
MMC piled pressure against the departmental team which gave priority to counter attack strategy. Though MMC dominated the ball possession and created frequent chances, they lacked proper finishing every other time. MMC created scoring chance in the fourth minute when their Nigerian recruit Olawale Afeez ended up firing inches wide at the near post.
In the 21st, Heman Gurung’s 20-yard volley in Prakash Budathoki pass was thwarted by APF custodian Amrit Chaudhary. He again denied Kamal Shrestah strike in the rebound. In the first half stoppage time, goalie Chaudhary blocked Anjan Bista strike and Sujal Shrestha’s header in rebound deflected off the shot-stopper before it was cleared by APF defender.
MMC failed to continue the first half momentum after the interval while APF put much improved show. APF’s first real chance came in the 68th when Ashish Lama fired off the target before they broke the deadlock in the 70th through Pradip. Scorer Lama was declared the-man-of-the-match. APF coach Ratnakaji Maharjan credited hard work from his boys for the victory.
“The players worked really hard and put up a team game,” said Maharjan whose side had finished runners up in the Pokhara Cup held at the same venue a couple of week earlier. MMC coach Tope Fuja pointed out flaws in the defensive third of his side. Himalayan Sherpa will play Tribhuvan Army Club on Sunday.