The league title appeared to be within MMC´s reach after leader Three Star lost two of its three matches in the super league. [break]However, following the draw against Friends, even wins in all the four remaining matches would not secure the title for MMC and it must also hope that the outcomes of Three Star´s remaining matches will be in its favor.
After playing equal 18 matches, Three Star leads the table with 38 points, five points ahead of second-placed MMC. Three Star will lock horns with MMC in their next match on Tuesday. Friends climbed one spot up to fifth with equal 29 points as that of sixth-placed Nepal Police Club on the basis of goals superiority.
"Had we defeated Friends today our title hope would have rested on the outcomes of our remaining matches," said MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang, insisting that his side was still contending for the title. "We still have four matches to play."
PHOTO: DIPESH SHRESTHA
In Saturday´s match, MMC, without its regular skipper Anil Gurung due to a match suspension, had to come from behind twice to earn a draw. Midfielder Shiva Shrestha, who was not included in the starting line-up due to ankle injury, was forced to play as a substitute in early second half.
In the most entertaining match of the super league Prakash Budhathoki put spirited Friends ahead in the 16th minute with a dramatic goal. Budhathoki´s shot on the far post changed its course and entered the other side of the net following deflection off defender Zambo Anatole´s foot.
MMC squared the score one minute before the interval through African player Fils Sergio Chico in a counter attack. Collecting a pass from Anatole, Chico fired past custodian Bashir Ibrahim Toyin after beating defender Segun Peter. A minute earlier, Nirajan Malla´s header in Bikash Singh Chhetri´s cross hit the crossbar.
PHOTO: DIPESH SHRESTHA
Striker Cheikh Oumar restored the lead for Friends eight minutes into the second half with a well-placed shot from the danger zone after collecting an acute pass from Dodoz. MMC defender Mbile Leonel Stephen again hit back the equalizer for MMC in the 66th minute. Taking advantage of inattentive defenders Peter and Bishnu KC Stephen fired home from the six-yard box in a header pass set by Chico.
In the 78th minute, Bikash Singh Chhetri´s long-range shot for MMC rebounded off the bar. In the fifth minute MMC custodian Emmanuel Dare denied Oumar´s header in Dodoz´s cross.
Sunday´s match
RCT Vs Police
Time: 15:30 NST
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