APF and Machhindra Maintain Perfect Starts as Title Race Heats Up at ANFA Complex
The race for the ANFA National League title is rapidly turning into a two-horse charge. Both Armed Police Force (APF) FC and Machhindra Football Club extended their perfect starts to the season on Wednesday. With their fourth consecutive victories, both sides now sit level on 12 points at the top of the table. They are distancing themselves from the chasing pack. It was a day of contrasting fortunes at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato. APF was forced to dig deep for a dramatic comeback victory. Machhindra, meanwhile, continued their clinical form with a commanding display. **Thokar Heroics Rescue APF** In the day's opening fixture, APF FC staged a spirited second-half revival and edged past Jawalakhel Youth Club 2-1, with Samiraj Thokar netting both goals. Jawalakhel, desperate to turn their season around, stunned the departmental side early. In the 20th minute, Dhabendra scored to give Jawalakhel a shock 1-0 lead, which they held until the break. However, the second half belonged to APF and their talisman, Thokar. He leveled the scoreline in the 58th minute, breathing new life into the contest. With the clock ticking down and a draw looming, Thokar struck again in the 82nd minute, firing home the decisive goal to break Jawalakhel's hearts and secure all three points. The victory marks APF’s fourth straight win. Previously, they triumphed over Friends Club (1-0), Church Boys United (4-1), and Sankata Club (2-1). For Jawalakhel, the result compounds a miserable start to the campaign. This was their third defeat in four matches. They had previously lost to Laligurans and Church Boys, with their solitary win coming against Shree Bhagwati Club.  **Machhindra Cruises Past Chitlang** In the day's second match, Machhindra Club earned a convincing 3-1 win over Chitlang FC to stay level with APF. Machhindra asserted its dominance early. Pradip Budhathoki opened the scoring in the 30th minute, giving his side a 1-0 lead at halftime. The floodgates opened after the interval. Jonathan Zorilla doubled the advantage in the 65th minute. Just four minutes later, Alzon Alijonov struck to make it 3-0. The goal effectively put the game to bed. Chitlang responded quickly with a consolation goal from Bigyan Khadka in the 70th minute, but they could not threaten Machhindra’s 100% record. The win follows Machhindra’s impressive run against NRT (1-0), Manang Marsyangdi Club (2-1), and Planning Boys United (2-0). Chitlang, meanwhile, suffered its second consecutive defeat following a heavy 5-1 loss to Tribhuvan Army Club.
