MMC 0-1 TSC: Santosh Sahukhala Penalty Swipe Derby Victory

Three Star bags third consecutive league win against Manang Marsyangdi as Sahukhala’s conversion provides TSC the lead.

Santosh Sahukhala’s penalty inspired Three Star club to a 1-0 win over Manang Marsyangdi in a barnstorming derby to lengthen the lead in the league table as TSC march forward for first league win since 2061 B.S.

The EL Classico in Nepali Football remained somewhat dull in first half as Manang Marsyangdi enjoyed midfield possession but Three star got the lead after Sahukhala coverted the penalty.

Manang Marsyangdi found themselves unlucky right at the star of the match when Shiva Shrestha’s header found the bar rather than the net. This remained the only impressive attack in first 30 minute of the game from both the teams. Three star remained dull in attack as Manang Marsyangdi dominated the midfield battle with greater possession.

Three star could not make any possible threat to their opponent, however 23rd minute free kick delivery from Anil Ojha got Femi’s header which could not possibly threaten Manang’s goalkeeper but could be noted as first three star attack.

Manang Marsyangdi could create some notable attacks in first half as Sabindra’s direct free kick shot was well kept by Kiran Chemjong.

Manang however went close to the lead in 39th minute until Kiran Chemjong made another brilliant late minute dive to deny Sandip Rai’s own goal.

Three star club were gifted penalty after Shiva Shrestha was booked in the box to bring down Bijay Gurung. Santosh Sahukhala could firmly convert the penalty placing the ball right bottom of the post which differentiated these two teams in first half.

Three Star club went near to second goal in 47th minute when Biraj Maharjan’s free kick found Bijay Gurung’s head who could not utilize the chance and placed the ball in Emmanuel’s hand. This attack was followed by another one in 56′ as Biraj Maharjan’s cross somehow found Santosh Sahukhala after few air play but Sahukhala could not time the acrobatic shot. Manang Marsyangdi created the counter attacking move at the same time but the move was well intercepted by Kiran Chemjong who crossed the line and headed the ball to stop the counter move.

Manang Marsyangdi came close to equalizer in 61st minute when Sabindra Shrestha’s cross was headed but the ball went inches close to second bar. With time tickling on, Anil Gurung made fine run on the ball in 80th minute and made adorable cross, however no MMC player could reach in the ball to utilize the cross.

Fans could just see the ball gone wide off the bar as Stephen Mbile(chico) could not deliver the shot onto the net missing nice chance for equalizer in dying minutes.

The added 4 minutes remained useless for Manang as Three star club were able to hold the lead until the full time whistle.

With the win, Three star go 7 points clear of second ranked  Nepal Army as six times league winner Manang gets defeated to two times winners TSC.