Mid-fielder Yogesh Gurung’s stunning strike in the 76th minute proved to be the difference between the two heavyweights. In a highly-charged game, MMC were reduced to 10 men after experienced mid-fielder Nabin Neupane received a second yellow card in the 73rd minute for pushing the referee in protest of his decision.

The win saw Three Star move within two points of  leaders MMC, heating up the title race as the league enters the Super Six stage which begins from Tuesday. MMC lead the table with 26 points while Three Star are second with 24 points from 12 games.

“The win definitely brings us back into the title race. They still lead by two, but we must put pressure on them trying to win in the Super Six,” said a delighted Three Star coach Anjan KC.

The defending champions created early pressure on the leaders as captain Santosh Shahukhala’s low shot on goal inside the area was well saved by MMC custodian Bishal Shrestha in the 15th minute. The MMC shot-stopper then  parried away Zikahi Leonce Dodoz driven effort on goal in the 24th minute.

MMC created a rare scoring opportunity in the 70th minute when Anil Gurung’s cross from the left-flank found an unmarked Sulav Maskey inside the area who then volleyed his shot wide.

MMC’s problems mounted when Neupane received a second yellow for pushing the referee, protesting his decision to award Three Star a freekick after Neupane brought down Shahukhala while fighting for the ball at the edge of the area.

“Both players were fighting for the ball and I thought Shahukhala went down too easily. The referee’s decisions went against us throughout the game and Neupane’s dismissal was the turning point,” said a frustrated MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha, taking a pan at referee Sudesh Pandey.

Gurung then added to MMC’s misery when he put Three Star ahead, as he pounced on Anifowose Saheed Gbenga’s pass at the edge of the area to fire a powerful shot into the roof of the net in the 76th minute.

“I don’t think refereeing decisions had anything to do with the result. We must give the players their due,” said Three Star coach KC.

But MMC coach Shrestha begged to differ. “Some of the decisions changed the course of the game and greatly affected the moral of the players,” said Shrestha.