Super-sub Denis Ouko netted both the goals for Machhindra in its 2-0 win over Armed Police Force (APF) while Police edged past Simrik Saraswati Youth Club 3-0 with one goals each from Parbat Pandey and Jumanu Rai while the third goal was an own goal.[break]
Machhindra maintaining its unbeaten run to four matches in the league collected 10 points with three wins and a draw. APF with three points dropped a spot below to 12th position.
With the victory, Police now has four points and leapfrogged to 10th from 15th position in the league table while Saraswati, hard hit by injury of some of its key players, are on equal points and is a spot below the departmental giant.
In the day´s kick off match, African player Dennis Ouko, 38th minute replacement of skipper Deepak Rai, opened the score six minutes after the interval and sealed the victory in the 84th minute.
Ouko made a close range header after the ball rebounded off custodian Samit Rajbhandari, unable to clear a powerful shot by Bishal Rai B´s from the right flank to break the deadlock. Ouko doubled the advantage seizing the ball from defender Saroj Koirala.
APF that lost its first two matches, came up with a spirited show and made few post attacks, but failed to find the back of the net. Rajendra Rawal´s three attacks on goal, including a powerful strike in the 55th minute, was denied by golvesman Dinesh Thapa. Arjun Subba was also prevented by goalie Thapa in the 86th minute.
Despite the defeat, APF´s coach Janak Singh Tharu expressed satisfaction at the team´s performance. "We played well but could not score. We conceded second goal due to our own mistake," said the coach who has eyed top eight finish in the league.
Machhindra coach Raju Shakya lauded the hard efforts of his players despite injury to his two forwards - skipper Rai and Bishal Rai A. "The result was vital for the team and the foreigner players are gradually adjusting."
In the day´s late match, Parbat Pandey gave an early fourth minute lead to Police with a curling freekick from the left flank. Police was gifted with an own goal for the second after Ramesh Ghising Tamang´s header in a bid to defend Yogesh Shrestha´s corner entered the net.
Nepali international forward Jumanu Rai broke his goal drought in the league when he volleyed the ball that rebounded off Ashok Baral.
Saraswati, which made a flying start in the league by beating Three Star, looked helpless and could make only one attempt on goal. But custodian Ritesh Thapa punched skipper Krishna Gopal´s shot to safety.
Earlier, Rabin Shrestha´s goal bound right flank cross for Police in the 16th minute was punched to safety by goalie Baral who made similar save to deny Pandey´s 25yard freekick in the 76th minute.
Despite the departmental team´s first victory, Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha tagged his side´s performance as worst in the ongoing league. "Though the performance was not good, we got the result in our favor. The players could not give their cent percent due to injuries," commented Shrestha adding, the injuries of his key players was a major problem for him. "Four players -- Jumanu Rai, Bhola Silwal, Suman Subedi and Suraj BK should be given at least a week´s rest. But I had to field them as I do not have ideal replacement. They are taking medicine," said Shrestha.
Saraswati coach admitted that his side looked poor against the departmental team. "Police is a set team. Our team should not be compared with Police and we do not have good players in bench," said KC.
Saraswati comes with 12 players
KATHMANDU: The match between Saraswati Club and Nepal Police Club saw a rare scene. Saraswati came up with 12 players, one more than standard number, in the field before the kick off time. Saraswati´s defender Michael Ntisefe listed as substitute came on the field. According to Saraswati coach Dhruba KC, Ntisefe forcibly went to the ground despite knowing that he was not included in the starting list. Referee Sudish Pandey upon discovering that there were 12 players in Saraswati flashed him the yellow card before kick off and sent him to the players´ box. When asked if the club will take any action against the defender coach KC said, "Ntisefe was disobedient. We will discuss this with the club."
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