Niraj Basnet netted in the stoppage time to force draw against injury plagued 'once upon a giant' Police going through worst run. Earlier, Yogesh Shrestha had given lead to Police in the 77th minute.
The outcome did not have much significance for both Police and Morang since neither of them have possibility of moving up, beyond fifth position, or getting relegated irrespective of any outcome in remaining matches. The tournament does not have provision of relegation.
However, if the two sides manage to pull upsetting result in remaining fixtures it may have significant impact in title race. Morang will end its campaign taking on second placed and title contender Tribhuvan Army Club on Monday. Similarly, Police yet to play two matches of the league, will take on Army and Manang Marshyangdi Club, the teams eying top finish in the highest prized domestic sports event.
Man City extend lead at top, Man United salvage draw
Morang yet to test win earned seven points after the outcome against Police from as many draws. Third from bottom Police remained steady in the seventh position in the nine team contest.
Unmarked Niraj collected Raj Kumar Paudel's header inside the zone and send the ball at the back of the net to dash the departmental team's hope of winning the fourth match of the tournament. Earlier, Yogesh broke deadlock in the mid second half after his strike from the zone deflected at Suren Khawas of Morang and dodged second choice goalie Bishnu Chaudhary who remained busy through the match to defy Police attacks.
Bishnu who got rare start in the league following injury of Kishor Giri was in good form and resisted one after another attempts on goal.
The result turned to be delightful for Morang coach Kumar Pradhan who expressed satisfaction with the performance. "We forced strong opponent like Police to draw despite not having full squad. We will play with two first choice player who are currently in national duty for the AFC U-19 Championship Qualifiers and first choice goalie in next match," he said.
Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha commented that his side took the opponent lightly from the onset and did not play well. He also lamented on missed chances. We did not convert scoring opportunities despite getting numerous chances. Even after getting the score, the boys left the backline open and thus conceded goal," Shrestha summed up.
Morang comes without ball
Morang FC came without practice ball during the match against Nepal Police Club. Though the participating teams bring their own balls for warm up ahead of the match and during interval, but Morang did not do that when it reached ANFA ground. It is the responsibility of organizer to provide the match ball.
