Machindra selected in AFC Cup - Himal Sanchar

18th December, Kathmandu. Machindra Football Club, which did not qualify for the AFC Cup despite winning the league last season, has been selected for this year’s AFC Cup qualifiers.

Nepal Police Club qualified for the AFC Cup by defeating Nepal Police Club 1-0 in their seventh round match of the ongoing A Division League on Sunday. Machindra remains at the top with 17 points from 7 matches, according to the provision that the club which is at the top after the seventh round can play in the AFC.

On the previous day, they kept their chances by defeating Brigade Boys Club. So Machindra had to win the game against the police. Machindra won the toss and elected to field.

Manang finished second with 16 points. Machindra climbed to the top by defeating Manang in the fifth round.

Despite winning the previous season, Machindra missed the opportunity to play in the AFC Cup qualifiers due to lack of an AFC club licence. This time along with Machindra, Army, Manang and APF have got the license of the club. The leading of these four clubs, Machindra has got a chance to play in the AFC Cup qualifiers.

In the decider, Sunil scored the goal for Machindra in the 21st minute with a free kick from Vishal Rai. Sunil is the top scorer in the current league with 5 goals.

Machindra created two more chances in the first half. But police goalkeeper Shatrughan Choudhary saved him. Goalkeeper Shatrughan saved Vishal Rai’s powerful shot from the penalty box in the 43rd minute. Similarly, in the injury time of the first half, Sunil Bal’s long shot was saved by punching Shatrughan.

In the 68th minute, Manish Dangi of Machindra beat the police goalkeeper and hit him for the second time.

In the 69th minute, unmarked Police Captain Ram Vaji fired from inside the penalty box but the police lost the opportunity.

The police missed a good scoring opportunity in the 75th minute. Machindra was in luck when policeman Suman Lama returned from a free kick from about 25 yards away.

In the 78th minute, Machindra’s captain Sujal Shrestha’s 35-yard shot was saved by police goalkeeper Shatrughan.

Regular captain Sujal Shrestha, who started the game from the bench, came into the field in the second half in place of Manish Dangi. Defenders Chhiring Gurung and Karim Omlaja were not in the team against the police due to double yellow cards.

In the first selection, he was replaced by Dilen Loktan and Indian player Sonam Zangpo Bhutia. Bhutia also made his A Division debut in the league.

Machindra, who remained undefeated till the seventh round, has also strengthened the title race. Earlier, Machindra had defeated NRT, Jwalakhel, Himalayan Sherpa and Manang Mersiangdi.

Senna and Sankat played out a goalless draw. Machindra now has to play in the league along with APF, Brigade, Friends, Satdobato, Castle and Three Star.