KATHMANDU, Dec 29: Third round of the so called back bone of Nepal's football games 'The Martyrs Memorial A- Division League' has concluded.
14 clubs have been competing for this prestigious title, at the Dasharath Rangashala Stadium and the home ground of Akhil Nepal Football Association (ANFA) at Satdobato.
The football league has returned to Dasharath Stadium after four and half years, however the lust of football may have decreased in fans. In recently held South Asian Games Nepali Football fans had provided huge support to the U-23 football team of Nepal. The SAG games witnessed large number of home fans but presence of fans in the league games seem to be comparatively less.
All the games of the third round have been completed. After third round of the League, Former Champions Manang Marshangdi Club, registering wins in all three games is on top of the score board with 9 points. Three Star Club is in second position in the table, with 7 points, winning two games and drawing one after three games.
Likewise, Machindra Club with highest number of National players is also an undefeated team in this A-Division League tournament. Machindra is in third place in the table with 6 points after 3 games, where it registered wins in two games and shared points in one game. They have been deducted one point for their poor finish the last time out. Army is in fourth position also with 6 points. Army is in fourth position despite having 6 points because of goal difference. Army had won two games and faced defeat in one in its first 3 games.
Both team, Saraswoti Youth Club and Friends Club are at the bottom of the table and have been unable to register any wins so far.
As far as individual accolades go, Santosh Sahukhala striker of Chassell Youth Club is on top of the list of goal scorers with 3 strikes to his name. His team, in the 3 games they have played, registered a win, a defeat and a draw.
Furthermore, Australia based Former National Player Jagjit Shrestha has returned to the game, playing for Manang Marshangdi Club. Likewise, Rabin Shrestha of Nepal Police has also comeback and played on Friday. Earlier, Rabin was out of the game because of his leg injury. Some new faces are also trying to make their presence in the league playing for different Clubs.
In the ongoing League, players seem to have more passion than previous years, however, they have not been able to attract and satisfy fans thus far. To attract even more audiences, ANFA has brought up various schemes like Travelling Abroad and Dinner with the National Team, even so the number of supporters is still very less. ANFA, the organizer itself has not been able to promote the League games properly.
The fourth round of League will be played from tomorrow. ANFA has informed that all the games of Fourth round will be played at the home ground of ANFA.