In the earlier playoff, an injury-time goal by Ganesh Khadka earned Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) a 3-3 draw against NIBL Friends Club. [break]
Mosavi scored his 13th goal of the season and is trailing behind the highest scorer Santosh Sahukhala by three goals.
NRT battered APF with early goals as the winner went ahead 3-0 within the first 13 minutes. Mosavi scored the early opener in the 5th minute and doubled the lead four minutes later. Ranjit Shrestha scored a header in a cross set by Laxman Ruchal to keep APF under pressure in the 13th minute.
APF were able to able to return a goal in the 31st minute as Ganesh Lawati scored in a penalty which he earned after being fouled in the box.
However, Jeevan Sinkeman widened the gap to 4-1 through a goal in a cross from Biraj Maharjan in the 45th minute. Lawati´s attempt to score in the extra time of first half did not materialize as his shot hit the post.
APF made an unexpected comeback in the game with Dinesh Karki´s goal in the 58th minute. Substitute Milan Rai provided a cross to Karki which he volleyed into the net.
Mosavi scored his third goal of the match in a one-versus-one effort in the 72nd minute. APF did not give up the struggle and were rewarded with another goal in the 83rd minute. Top Bista volleyed the ball above the MMC keeper Surendra Shrestha from about 20 yards.
Mosavi will miss the next match as he was yellow carded by the referee. This is the second yellow card for Mosavi.
NRT coach Diken Suwal termed the referee´s decision biased. “The referee gave unnecessary yellow card for a minor offence,” he said.
In another match, Friends took an early lead with Rajan Adhikari´s goal in the 8th minute. Adhikari was able to score the rebound ball as the MMC goalie Prasad Joshi fell forward to catch the ball leaving the post unattended.
Sujan Limbu, however, equalized as he scored a one-on-one goal six minutes later.
Shiva Shrestha earned a penalty in the 48th minute which he slotted in although Friends´ goalkeeper had blocked the ball which got deflected after hitting the post.
Three minutes later, MMC goalie Joshi was yellow carded for foul on Nur Raj Kafle who was nearing the post with the ball on solo effort. Kafle, who was granted a penalty, didn´t miss the opportunity to equalize.
Friends earned yet another penalty after Bijay Mahat was brought down by Sanjay Gurung in the 88th minute. Santosh Tamang scored the spot kick to lead Friends 3-2 as the match was about to end.
However, Ganesh Khadka saved MMC as he chipped from a tight angle in the fading moments to earn a point for his team.
Friends´ coach Mrigendra Mishra said a draw at a time when they were in a continuous losing streak was a bit relief. Meanwhile, MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang said, “We are out of title and safe from relegation so we gave chances for junior players in this game. Our aim is now to focus for the next league.”
Friends moved one spot above to the eighth position with 21 points and are leading Samsung Jawlakhel Youth Club on goal difference.
NRT climbed up two steps to the second spot with 34 points after completion of 17 matches while APF are still not safe from relegation as they are in the tenth position with 12 points, two points above relegation-threatened Sankata which have a game in hand.
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