Though Kathmandu became the last team to be relegated, it is, however, the first team to be relegated through competitive match. [break]Koilapani Polestar and Star Club were automatically relegated from the second division as they did not contest in the league. As per the ANFA rule, the bottom three teams are relegated from B division.
On Friday, Kamalesh Chaudhary gave an early blow to Kathmandu with a goal in the 12th minute. Sudan Bardewa doubled the lead in the 65th minute, and Bhuwan Basnet sealed victory for Chyasal in the 83rd minute.
From 10 matches played so far, Kathmandu has earned only one point playing a 1-1 draw with Swayambhu Youth Club. Kathmandu lies third from the bottom in the 13th position, while Chyasal remained unchanged in the 12th position with eight points to retain secure its place in B division.
Kathmandu, which was established in 2031 BS, has played in all divisions of domestic football. The club played C division qualifiers in the year it was established and qualified for C division eight years later. In 2044 BS it was elevated to B division and then to A division two years later.
However, the club was relegated to B division in 2061 BS and had retained its place in second-tier football since then.
Kathmandu President Sanjiv Mishra has cited poor financial status of the club as the main reason for relegation. "Football has become expensive in the past couple of years, making it even more difficult for clubs without regular sources of income like Kathmandu to sustain," said Mishra, who is also the development director at ANFA.
Mishra, who has remained at the helm of the club for the last 14 years, said the club will try to regain its previous status in football by making some changes in the club´s structure. "I will try to convert the club into a community-based team and also explore areas to ensure regular income. Sustainable financial status is the backbone of a football team. We must tie up with corporate houses for the uplift of the club´s financial status."
"Though relegation and promotion are part of football, I am really disappointed at losing the second division status. As a president, I want to thank the players and the team for their effort."
Boys Union level with leader Tusal
Boys Union Club, which was relegated to B division two years ago, moved level on points with leader Tusal after defeating Shree Laligurans Pulchowk Youth Club 3-2 on Friday.
In the competitive match, Ashok Thapa Magar struck twice for Boys Union. Thapa Magar gave an early lead in the fourth minute and made it 2-0 in the 24th minute. Surya Bahadur Gurung cut the goal deficit in the 39th minute and struck the equalizer five minutes into the second half. However, Binod Lama sealed victory for Boys Union with the winner in the 63rd minute.
The top three teams -- Tusal, Boys Union and Samajik -- all have 19 points after playing nine matches each. But Tusal enjoys the lead on the basis of goal difference.
Boys Union is ahead of Samajik in terms of head-to-head record and goal difference.
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