By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – The record eight-time champions Manang Marshyangdi Club played yet another draw in an ongoing Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League campaign on Sunday at Dasarath Stadium. Despite holding the lead twice, the club settled for a 2-2 draw against 10-men APF Football Club.
The game began with Manang taking the lead in the 13th minute from a penalty kick. APF’s Biswas Udas brought down Sumit Shrestha in a one-on-one situation, resulting in a penalty for Manang. Koffi Timothee Koudo stepped up and left no chance for APF’s goalkeeper Raju Yogi. Referee Prajjwol Chhetri immediately issued a direct red card to Biswas for the foul.
However, APF’s skipper Nabin Lama swiftly brought his side back into the game in the 20th minute. Nabin successfully converted a free-kick from just outside the box, leveling the score.
Manang didn’t take long to regain their lead, with Sumit Shrestha scoring six minutes later. Sumit beat the offside trap, received a through pass from Diawandou Niang Diagne, and calmly finished in a one-on-one situation.
APF managed to steal a point from Manang in the 64th minute when Armand Beadoum headed the ball home from Nabin Lama’s free-kick.
Under their new Head Coach Bishnu Gurung, Manang has been consistently drawing all their matches. The team has neither won nor lost in their last six matches under Gurung’s leadership.
Following the draw, Manang maintained their eighth spot in the league table with 24 points from 20 matches. On the other hand, APF moved up to the 10th position with 23 points from the same number of matches.
