By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Defending champions Machhindra Football Club edge past bottom-ranked FC Khumaltar 3-0 in the ongoing Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League at the ANFA Complex on Monday.
Afeez Olawale Adipo played a pivotal role in Machhindra’s triumph, scoring a brace, while Andres Nia netted apiece. Olawale’s impressive performance takes his season tally to 12 goals, firmly placing him in contention for the top scorer title. At present, Khumaltar’s Messouke Olomou and Jawalakhel’s Nkoto Synous Masoabi share the top scorer position, having both scored 13 goals.
Although Khumaltar began the match strongly, it was Machhindra who took the lead in the 42nd minute when Andres Nia found the back of the net.
Olawale extended Machhindra’s advantage in the 77th minute with a header, and just six minutes later, he completed his brace after Khumaltar’s defender failed to clear Pujan Uperkoti’s freekick.
In the first leg encounter, Machhindra had dominated Khumaltar with a remarkable 7-3 victory, with Olawale single-handedly scoring five goals.
Following this win, Machhindra moved to third place accumulating 30 points from 18 matches, drawing level with second-placed Church Boys United, who have a game in hand. Meanwhile, FC Khumaltar remains at the bottom of the table with 17 points from 18 matches.
