By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Manang Marshyangdi Club have emerged as a strong contender to participate in the AFC Cup qualifiers after defeating Nepal Police Club 3-1 at Pokhara Stadium during their Qatar Airways Martyrs Memorial A Division League match on Saturday.
With the victory, MMC have climbed atop the points table. The top team after completion of the seventh round matches will feature in the AFC Cup qualifiers. The outcomes of the next two rounds of matches will decide which team will get the opportunity to participate in the qualifiers.
MMC took advantage of the stalemate of other contenders including defending champions Machhindra FC and Tribhuvan Army Football Club. Both the teams played draws in separate matches a day earlier. Now, MMC are ahead of other three contenders – Machhindra, Army and APF – who have acquired license from AFC to feature in the qualifiers. APF, which lie in the bottom of the table, are almost out of contention.
With 13 points, MMC are two points clear of second placed Machhindra ahead of the sixth round matches. Machhindra have 11 points while Army are trailing behind in third position with 9 points. MMC will be playing the seventh and eighth round matches in Pokhara. However, the team will return to Kathmandu for the sixth round match.
MMC will clash with Machhindra in the sixth round match. Another contender Army will face Three Star Club in the sixth round.
