Nirajan breaks goal drought; RCT humble Sangam

Jan-6th-2012
POKHARA: Nirajan Malla ended his goal drought in style as Yeti Himalayan Sherpa Club defeated star-studded Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) 1-0, while Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) outplayed Sangam FC of Pokhara 5-1 in the Red Bull National League at the Pokhara Stadium today.

Nirajan — on loan from Nepal Armed Police Force Club — provided Sherpas the breakthrough when his left-footed overhead kick sailed into the nets after it kissed the inner edge of the bar in the 72nd minute. It was the first goal for Nirajan in a top tier football in the last 18 months since scoring for Sankata against Tribhuvan Army Club during the Martyrs Memorial ‘A’ Division League in June, 2010.

His first goal for the Sherpas also gave the club their first victory over MMC in their two encounters. MMC had defeated Sherpas 2-1 in the ‘A’ Division League last year.

Following the results, RCT — who are tied on four points with Mega Three Star Club and Sherpas — jumped four places up to the fourth on superior goal difference. Sherpas jumped one spot up to the sixth on goal difference. With their second consecutive defeat, MMC dropped two spot down to seventh with just three points, while winless Sangam — who are yet to earn a point in the table — are stay unchanged at the bottom.

The absence of inflential midfielder Bijay Gurung and winger Sujal Shrestha due to a three-match suspension gave an edge to the Sherpas. Following a barren first half, both the teams pressed for a goal in the second 45 minutes. Santosh Shahukhala failed to convert in one-on-one encounter with Sherpa goalie Bikesh Kuthu in the 67th minute and just five minutes later Nirajan settled the affair with a spectacular goal. Sherpas coach Upendra Man Singh was happy to get a desired result.

“We were under pressure to perform and win matches. My boys gave me what we were looking for. We have to continue with this form to stay in title hunt,” said the coach.

MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha hinted on trying junior forwards for upcoming matches. “We are playing good football, but the forwards have let us down. We can try some new faces in next matches,” said Shrestha adding back-to-back loss has piled pressure on him.

Earlier, players with African nationality scored four goals as RCT filed their first victory of the league drubbing minnows Sangam. Olawale O Afeez scored a second half brace and Ntolo Ngoumou, Alexis Likeng and first half substitute Amar Dangol netted one each for RCT.

Ntolo provided a 19th minute lead to RCT converting a spotkick, which was awarded after Gambhir Pariyar handled the ball inside the area. Alexis doubled the tally from the box utilising a David Nkang right-flank freekick in the 27th minute.

Ganesh Lawati, on loan from APF, cut the deficit for the local side in the 35th minute with a superb 20-yard strike in a Bibek Gurung ‘B’ pass. RCT veteran custodian and skipper Dilip Chhetri denied an equaliser to Ganesh when he made a diving save to cancel out his spot kick in the dying moments of the two-minute added on time.

Sangam were awarded the penalty kick after Bhim Darlami handled the ball inside the area. Four minutes after resumption, Olawale extended the RCT lead directing Amar’s pass into the goal. Provider Amar then turned scorer when he slammed home in the 53rd minute. Olawale then completed the rout chipping over advancing Sangam custodian Namgel Tenzing in 59th minute.