Chyasal Youth Club ended their eight-year wait to climb to the ‘A’ Division following a crucial 2-1 victory over fallen giants Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) in the Martyrs’ Memorial ‘B’ Division League football tournament on Saturday.

Needing a win to secure promotion to the top tier, the club rallied from a goal down for a win that ignited wild celebration. “It has been almost three months of hard work for us. We had plans, underwent extended training sessions and played friendlies against top tier clubs. The result is here today,” said coach Chet Narayan Shrestha.

Established in 1976 as a football club, they were promoted to ‘C’ Division 30 years later. After spending two years in ‘C’, the club had climbed to ‘B’ Division in 2006. Club President Dinesh Byanjankar believed a huge challenge awaits the club now.

“Playing top tier football is not an easy task for a small club like us. We have to overcome the challenges of making the club financially sound and an equally strong football team. For the time being we will celebrate our promotion and we would like to thank everyone who have supported the club,” said Byanjankar. Coach Shrestha seconded the president.

“’A’ Division is going to be tough in terms of competitor as well. We will be heading their as minnows and have to make concrete plans to make sure we do better,” said Shrestha who holds the experience of coaching top tier clubs like Sankata and Swoyambhu Youth Club.

In the match, RCT took an early 16th minute lead with a Bike Gurung strike before Chyasal levelled the scoring in the 30th through Binod KC. Madhav Bhandari then struck in the 60th minute to seal the promotion.  Chyasal have 25 points from 12 matches and behind them are New Road Team, who have 22 points from 11 matches, in the second and Satdobato Youth Club in the third.

NRT play Tushal on Sunday where a win followed by at least a draw against Satdobato Youth Club will promote them to the top tier. A win for Satdobato, third in the table with 22 points, will be enough for them to secure promotion.

RCT are still in the hunt provided other results on the top of the table fall on their favour. RCT have 21 points and they must win against relegated side Mahabir to have any chance of promotion.