ANFA National League: Departmental Giants Frustrated as Chitlang and Planning Boys Snatch Points
KATHMANDU — It was a day of grit. It missed opportunities at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Tuesday, as both departmental powerhouses were held to draws in the ongoing ANFA National League. In a double-header that tested the favorites' resilience, Chitlang FC nearly stunned Nepal Police Club. At the same time, Planning Boys United successfully neutralized the high-flying Tribhuvan Army Club.  **Late Heartbreak for Chitlang** In the day’s curtain-raiser, Chitlang FC looked poised to claim a massive scalp against the Nepal Police Club. Chitlang took a well-deserved lead just before the break, with Matthew Babatunde finding the back of the net in the 41st minute to silence the departmental side. Chitlang held their defensive lines firm for much of the second half, frustrating the Police attackers. However, with victory in sight and only three minutes remaining in regulation time, disaster struck. An own goal by Lachhu Man Rana Magar gifted the Police a 1-1 equalizer, forcing Chitlang to share the spoils in a match they had largely controlled. This draw secured the first point of the season for Nepal Police Club, who were reeling from a shock 1-0 defeat to Planning Boys United in their opener. Chitlang, meanwhile, will view this as two points dropped, having previously defeated Nawa Jana Jagriti Club 2-1.  **Army Held to a Stalemate** The second fixture of the day saw Tribhuvan Army Football Club halted in their tracks by a disciplined Planning Boys United side. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The Army side entered the pitch brimming with confidence after a rampant 5-0 demolition of Manang Marshyangdi Club in their first match. However, they failed to replicate that clinical edge on Tuesday. Despite creating opportunities, the Army forwards could not break down the Planning Boys' defensive block, forcing them to settle for a single point. **The league will take a brief pause on Wednesday, with no matches scheduled**.
