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Kathmandu, January 24 — The National League was expected to include 10 teams – four clubs that advanced from the ANFA President League and six of the best teams from the previous Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Division League. However, there are currently 13 A-Division clubs participating in the ongoing National League, as the football governing body in Nepal struggled to manage the pressure from clubs that refused to stay inactive due to the prolonged absence of a top-tier league.

Even if there were just 10 clubs, the four teams from the President League would not be the top contenders for the National League title, let alone a competition with 17 clubs.

The Laligurans Association Club, which represents Pokhara in the Kaski district, secured a spot in the National League by winning the President League. Having advanced to the President League as champions from Kaski and Gandaki, Laligurans have recently become a prominent topic in the National League due to their performance and outcomes.

Three out of three victories for Laligurans

Starting the tournament with a 1-0 victory against Jawalakhel Youth Club, Laligurans went on to beat their President League team Nawa Jana Jagriti Yuwa Club 4-1 in the next game.

On Friday, Laligurans overcame a five-time A-Division League champion, Nepal Police FC, with a goal in the final moments, increasing their winning run to three.

In the final match of the day, Laligurans and Nepal Police remained scoreless until the regular 90 minutes concluded at Dasharath Stadium. However, in the additional five minutes, Laligurans managed to score.

Approximately one minute remained on the clock as the referee prepared to blow the whistle when Sudip Gurung, who entered the game in the 84th minute, took possession of the ball from the center. He was blocked by two players from Nepal Police, but with some fortune, he managed to retain the ball and lofted it over the defenders to reach Ashish Gurung within the penalty area. Ashish, the No. 10 for Laligurans, didn’t waste the opportunity.

It was Ashish’s second goal in the league. His initial one was scored during the 4-1 victory against Nawa Jana Jagriti.

Although he is number 10, Ashish has not started in any of the three games. Against Police, he came on as a substitute in the 68th minute.

We have a solid reserve squad,” said Kiran Shrestha, the head coach of Laligurans, during the post-game press conference, explaining why he didn’t start with the No 10. “The players have faith in the system and in each other. This is what makes us a strong team, which is why Ashish wasn’t on the starting line.

Shrestha utilized all five substitutions to bring in new players in the positions he deemed necessary. And it paid off.

We are the underdogs,” Shrestha mentioned when questioned about his team’s chances of competing for the league title against the dominant forces in Nepali football. “We’re focusing on one match at a time. The players have been advised not to become overly confident after victories. We will strive our hardest in each game.

The following teams that Laligurans will face are Tribhuvan Army Club on January 27 and Machhindra FC on February 2.

However, following a victory over a departmental team on Monday, Shrestha feels it will inspire his players for the upcoming match.

The Nepal Police team is strong with an excellent coach. This victory was the most significant one in the past three matches,” he stated. “The Army, our upcoming opponent, are physically strong and also have a skilled coach. However, this win will boost our motivation even more as we aim for three more points.

Having secured three victories, Laligurans have solidified their position at the top of the standings.

Meanwhile, Chetan Ghimire, the head coach of Nepal Police, expressed his support for his team following their second defeat in three games. Police suffered their initial league match with a 0-1 loss to Planning Boyz United and later drew 1-1 against Chitlang FC, another team from the President League.

I am satisfied with their performance, even though we gave up a goal late and lost three points,” said Ghimire, a former Nepal Police forward. “I have put together a team full of young talents. It will take time for them to adapt to playing at a high level.

Ghimire also mentioned that his team was improving with each match, and he added, “Bright days lie ahead.”

Victories for Bhagawati and Satdobato

Another game took place on Friday, with a single goal being sufficient to determine the outcome. Fode Fofana from Satdobato Youth Club netted the sole goal of the match against Manang Marsyangdi Club during the first encounter held at Dasharath Stadium.

Fofana found the net in the 61st minute. This marked his second goal in the league. His initial goal was during Satdobato’s 3-1 victory against New Road Team.

Satdobato currently holds seven points after three games, following a scoreless draw against Sankata FC in their opening league match.

Nevertheless, goals were coming in during the first match of the day at the ANFA Complex. Shree Bhagawati Club, one of the two newly promoted teams to the A Division, beat Nawa Jana Jagriti 5-1.

Martins Kayode Ajayi netted the opening goal of the game just two minutes after the kickoff. Shishir Lekhi extended the lead to 2-0 by converting a penalty in the 38th minute, marking the first goal of the league. Before the end of the first half, young player Subash Bam Thakuri added a third goal in the 42nd minute.

In the second half, a four-minute period saw Bhagawati’s advantage grow to 5-0. Semanta Thapa found the net in the 54th minute, and Lekhi scored his second personal goal in the 58th. The sole encouraging goal for Nawa Jana Jagriti was scored by Bikram Thokar in the 77th minute.

Two games are scheduled for Saturday, both held at Dasharath Stadium. The first match starts at 2pm, where Machhindra FC will compete against Planning Boyz United, the B-Division champions. This will be followed by Chitlang FC taking on Tribhuvan Army FC at 6:30pm.