SPORTS BRIEFS: Lopsang to coach Machhindra

KATHMANDU, March 23: Former Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) coach Chhiring Lopsang has taken over the coaching job of Machhindra Club for the Martyrs Memorial A Division League Football to be begin from April 15.



The club and Lopsang reached the agreement to that effect on Tuesday. [break]



As the coach, Lopsang will be paid Rs 100,000 for his duty, Machhindra President Sunil Kapali stated. MMC had won more than half a dozen titles including league under Tshering’s coaching. Chhiring was declared the best coach in 2062 BS after MMC had lifted the league title. Chhiring had attended AFC B level license course a few months earlier taken by the Asian Football Confederation. “As most of the talented players have already joined other clubs, we will aim to finish top eight in the league,” the 44 year old said. In the last season, Machhindra had secured sixth position in the league.



Walizada shines in Afghanistan win


KATHMANDU: Sediq Walizada completed a hat-trick for Afghanistan on Wednesday as they defeated Bhutan 3-0 in the first leg of their playoff match in New Delhi for AFC Challenge Cup group D qualifiers held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, New Delhi. The 20 year old gave a perfect start to the Afghanis opening the scoring in the very second minute added another in the 36th minute and completed hat-trick with ten minutes to spare. The second match of the playoff match will be held on Friday at the same venue. The winner among them will join other teams of the group including North Korea, Nepal and Sri Lanka for the qualifiers slated to be held from April 7-11 in Kathmandu. Earlier , Bhutan had played two friendly matches against national team of Nepal as part of their preparation for the playoff on March 17 and 19. On the both matches, Nepal had defeated them by a goal margin.



New Era, Dynamite victorious


KATHMANDU: New Era Sports Club and Dynamite Sports Club registered victory in the Martyrs Memorial C Division qualifiers on Wednesday. New Era beat United Club 2-0 at ANFA Complex Satdobato, Lalitpur. A goal each from Ashok Lama and Som Lama confirmed the victory. Meanwhile, Dynamite defeated Siddhipur Sports Club 4-1. Durga Nanada Ram scored twice for Dynamite while Kumar Chaudhary and Roshan Kumar Chaudhary added the remaining goals. Mahesh Maharjan Scored a consolation goal for Siddhipur.

Related story

Manang has a winning streak: Coach Lopsang