Sujal Shrestha scored from spot for MMC in the first half to cancel Three Star's early lead, courtesy to Jagajeet Shrestha. The result left Three Star unchanged in the second position with 14 points, two behind leader Jhapa, after playing eight matches. Three Star, with a match advantage over the leader, could have replaced Jhapa from the summit had it won the match. MMC, after its second draw in a row, remained unchanged in the fifth place with 13 points.
In the clash of the Titans, Jagjeet put the Patan-based team ahead in the ninth minute. Jagajeet skillfully unleashed a one-touch strike from close range from tight angle after timing perfectly to connect a long pass from Bikram Lama.
Three Star dominated the early stage of the match after taking the lead. But the match gained momentum after MMC restored parity in the 34th. Sujal converted a penalty, awarded after Three Star's African defender handed Bikram Limbu's cross bound for Anil Gurung inside the danger zone.
Friends, Sherpa share the spoils in a goalless draw
"The match was evenly contested and I am pleased with the way my team played. We came from behind and bagged a point," MMC coach Raju Kaji Shakya said at the post match conference. Speaking about his side's chances of winning the league, Shakya said, "The league is a long race and I cannot say where we will finish. However, we are very much in the race."
The second half saw both the sides creating some beautiful moves and pushing forward to score. Two minutes into the second half, Three Star's Santosh Sahukhala wasted a scoring chance after he failed to connect Bijay Gurung's pass just ahead of the goalline. A couple of minute later, Bijay's strike from close range missed the target by a whisker.
MMC nearly netted in the 64th but skipper Sagar Thapa rescued Three Star after he defended Sushil KC's powerful tap-in inside the six-yard box after being fed by African player Dodoz. Two minutes later, MMC goalie Bishal Shrestha made a diving save to prevent Santosh's scorcher from the zone in his solo effort.
In the 77th minute, substitute Dipak Rai, who replaced Sushil two minutes earlier, came close to scoring for MMC when he rattled the post from the zone. Peter Segun replied for Three Star a moment later but saw his shot sail inches above the bar.
There won't be any match at ANFA on Saturday. But Jhapa will host Lumbini in Birtamod, Jhapa, and Morang will take on Far Western Football Club at its home in Dangihaat.
Saturday's Matches
Jhapa Vs Lumbini @ 15:30
Venue: Birtamod, Jhapa
Morang Vs FWFC @ 15:30
Venue: Dangihaat, Morang
