In another match a lone goal from Amir Shrestha was enough for the Armed Police Force to seal a 1-0 victory over Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) and wrap up the first match of the league round. [break]
Buddha Chemjong scored twice for Three Star while Anil Ojha, Ranjit Shrestha, Yogesh Gurung and Raj Kumar Ghising scored once each. Diwas Gurung and substitute Pramesh Khatri netted one each for BBC, which made its debut in the top flight after being relegated in 2063 BS.
In the one-sided match, Ojha had given an early four-minute lead to Three Star against neighbor BBC of Manbhawan. But Gurung of BBC canceled the lead in the 16th minute. However, seven minuets later Ranjit Shrestha restored the lead, making the score 2-1. Yogesh Gurung added another one nine minutes before interval and Raj Kumar Ghising scored in the 60th minute. Chemjong netted the ball in the 79th and 89th minutes respectively.
Khatri scored another for BBC during injury time to narrow the goal margin.
Despite his side´s impressive start in the tournament, Three Star coach Meghraj KC was not satisfied with its performance. "The boys failed to play in their original tuning," KC said adding, their overconfidence after the early scores also prevented from putting up a good show.
KC also criticized the surface of the ground for the unbalanced show. "The ground surface is not smooth and it is hard as well, resulting in uneven bouncing of the ball."
BBC coach Samir Gurung attributed the defeat to inexperience of the players. "We conceded many goals due to mistakes by the custodian and defenders," Gurung said, adding many players of his team were playing at the stadium for the first time and got nervous.
In another match, Amir Shrestha of APF scored a lone goal in the eighth minute, which turned to be the decider. Shrestha unleashed a powerful 35-yard strike to stun RCT custodian and skipper Dilip Chhetri.
RCT frequently took the ball to the opponent´s danger area but failed to change the fate of the match as none of them were on target.
APF missed a chance to double the tally when skipper Ganesh Lawati´s close range header was prevented by goalie Chhetri.
APF Manager Prem Kumar Shrestha said that his side failed to play as per expectations. He also criticized his forwards and midfielders for a poor show. "There was lack of understanding among players and very few post attacks," Shrestha said.
RCT coach Madhu Karki termed the goal they conceded as the turning point of the match. However, he praised his side´s performance. "We conceded an unexpected goal which became the turning point of the match." He also lauded the opponent´s fitness level.
The second round match of the league round will begin Sunday.
Sunday´s matches
Sarswoti Youth Vs Jawalakhel Youth Club @ 12:30
Bansbari Club Vs MMC @ 14:30
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