African recruit Olawala O Afeez and Nepali international winger Jagjeet Shrestha netted a brace each in either half in Three Star's win over second from bottom Lumbini.Nawayug Shrestha of Army netted the second hat-trick of the tournament and became the first player to achieve the feat this season in the biggest-margin win of the contest over rock bottom side Morang. Nawayug also took his tally to nine goals in the league, two behind highest scorer Karna Limbu of Jhapa XI FC. Army skipper Bharat Khawas who was substituted in the 23rd minute also scored two goals for the departmental team.
The win helped Three Star topple Jhapa from the summit. Army is second in the standings. Three Star with 26 points holds two point cushion over Army and Jhapa after playing equal 13 matches. Army holds superiority over Jhapa on the basis of away goals despite equal points. Lumbini with eight points and Morang with six points are the bottom two teams in the league which does not have provision of relegation.
Playing its first match at the artificial turf, Lumbini conceded the first goal in the 29th minute after Afeez converted Jagajeet's pass. Amar Dangol doubled the advantage seven minutes later, again set by Jagajeet, to net his third goal of the campaign.
Jagajeet made it 3-0 in the 58th minute when he slammed in the ball dropped by Lumbini custodian Dilip Chhetri in his bid to collect Afeez's strike. The African striker netted his second in the 61st to take his tally to four goals. Jagajeet stamped the victory in the 77th minute with his second individual goal and fifth of the tournament.
Three Star coach Rajendra Tamang expressed satisfaction with the outcome played in the absence of skipper Sagar Thapa due to two match suspension. Tamang, who took over the team since September 15 and handled the team during its last seven matches, also enjoyed his status as unbeaten coach. The Patan-based team has maintained its unbeaten run in the last nine matches.
Tamang's counterpart Yam Gurung of Lumbini complained that his side did not get good practice ground.
In the day's early kick off, captain Bharat put Army ahead early in the fourth minute and doubled the tally in the 18th minute. He was substituted seven minutes later a by Amrit Basnet after he picked up an injury. Pacey winger Tanka Banset, who was left unmarked, netted the third in the 40th minute as the departmental team went into break with a three-goal cushion.
Nawayug netted his first goal and fourth for the team in the first minute into second half. He made it 5-0 in the 56th. Tek Bahadur Budathoki added other in the 59th to net his sixth goal of the league. Nawayug netted the seventh goal for Army to complete his hat-trick in the 89th minute.
Chun Bahadur Thapa, who came in place of regular coach Meghraj KC due to one-match touchline ban, said that he was delighted with the performance.
Monday's Match
Police Vs MMC @ 14:30 NST
Venue: ANFA, Satdobato
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