Ravi Paswan who got a rare start stole the show with a hat-trick for MMC while another debutant Ashis Karki was on target twice. Subash Gurung and Sushil KC were also on score-sheet for MMC. Buddhiman Rai scored the consolation for Morang.Earlier, U-19 players - Kamal Thapa, Bimal Gharti Magar, Hemant Thapa, Janom Man Ligal and Sunil Bal - achieved targets for FWFC which wrapped up its league campaign on sixth position and ended APF's chance for the elusive title.
Sunday's outcome means only top three teams -- leader Three Star Club (29 points), MMC (28 points) and Tribhuvan Army Club (27 points) are in the race for the title with two matches to spare. Three Star and six time league champion MMC could secure the title if any of them win both of their remaining matches.
However, Three Star and MMC are scheduled to play in last match of the league scheduled for Saturday. Three Star meets APF and MMC takes on Nepal Police Club in their penultimate matches. Meanwhile, Army is scheduled to lock horns against Lumbini FC and Police. Army, however, could lift the trophy if it wins both of the remaining matches in the condition Three Star and MMC share point during their last match or they lose point in any of the remaining two matches.
MMC coach Raju Kaji Shakya expressed satisfaction with the outcome and pointed out that his side must win remaining two matches at any cost. "Results are vital at this point and we are happy to register a big win," Shakya said. "We are only two wins away from the title and the next fixture against Police will be as vital as the final one against Three Star."
Ravi, included in the starting list of the MMC for the first time, netted in the 39th , 69th and 81st minute. Ashis, a second half replacement for Rupesh KC, netted twice in his debut match after he achieved targets in the 60th and 69th minutes. Subash Gurung was on the scoresheet in the 44th and Sushil KC in the 62nd minute. The only goal for Morang came from Buddhiman five minutes into the second half.
The result put Morang at the bottom of the league with seven points from as many draws. The league does not have provision of relegation and coach Kumar Pradhan was happy with the overall performance of the team in the league. "The tournament has been a great platform for our boys and we are happy with the way local boys played in the league," Pradhan said.
Earlier, FWFC's win over APF sealed former's place in the sixth position with 20 points. FWFC finished with five wins and draws and six defeats. Meanwhile, APF remained steady in fifth place with 23 points with two matches to spare. APF's mathematical chance of winning the title also faded after the outcome.
Kamal put FWFC ahead in the 15th and Bimal doubled the advantage two minutes later. Hemant was on score-sheet in the 27th as it went into break with three goal cushion.
APF tried to bounce back in the second half with Ranjan Bista cutting the goal deficit in the 57th and Sudeep Shikhrakar netting in the 74th through spot, making the score 2-3. But Janom widened the gap in score in the 85th for FWFC and Sunil made it 5-2. Ranjan netted the third goal for the team before it was too late.
APF coach Krishna Thapa defined the performance as the worst by the team in the league and admitted that his side's title hope was over.
Monday's Match
Army V Lumbini @ 14:30 NST
Venue: ANFA, Satdobato.
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