Defending champion MMC dominated the ball possession and created nearly half a dozen chances but failed in achieving the target.
The result lifted MMC one spot up to third with 12 points, four behind leader Jhapa XI FC and two points behind second placed APF. MMC and APF have played seven matches each while Jhapa has played eight. Police remained steady in sixth place with eight points from seven matches.
The departmental giant played inexperienced players and new faces owing to injury of its key players. First choice goalie Ritesh Thapa was on the bench while regular skipper and striker Jumanu Rai, Rabin Shrestha, Bhola Silwal were excluded from the players' list. The three Nepali internationals were rested due to injury concerns.
Stocks up a fraction in the first week of February
Suman Subedi, the only senior player, who took over the captain's armband had to be rushed to the hospital midway in the first half. Suman picked up a head injury after he clashed with counterpart Anil Gurung while vying for a header.
At the post match conference, Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said that his side failed to perform better due to the injury list of its key players. "Manang was the favorite team for sure and it should have capitalized on our weaknesses," he said.
Shrestha's counterpart Raju Kaji Shakya said that inadequate training and new ground (artificial turf) resulted in the lackluster performance. "The first match is always difficult and we have not been able to train well. I think the new ground is also a problem for us. We hope to improve in the coming days," Shakya said.
The first half nearly ended without a single remarkable move from both sides before Sujal Shrestha side-netted from the close range in Leonce Dodoz's cross. The African recruit Dodoz wasted scoring chance in the early second half after he failed to meet Anil's cross inside the zone.
During the hour mark, Police goalie Roshan Khadka, who got a rare start, parried Bishal Rai's 30-yard freekick.
Bharat Shah of the departmental team then wasted a scoring chance in counter attack after he delayed to shoot with only goalkeeper Bishal Shrestha as his obstacle. Four minutes later, Bharat again wasted a golden chance after he ended up volleying wide at the open net when he collected the ball dropped by goalie Bishal Shrestha in his attempt to release it just at the edge of the box.
Tuesday's Match
APF Vs Three Star @ 15:30 NST
Venue: Satdobato
Photos: Bijay Gajmer/Republica
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