Machhindra Football Club emerged victorious in a nail-biting finale, securing the title of the ANFA U-16 Youth League after a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Tribhuvan Army Football Club in their last match.
Heading into the crucial fixture, table-toppers Machhindra knew they had to secure a victory to clinch the championship. Meanwhile, second-placed Sankata Club's title aspirations were dashed as they suffered a 6-2 defeat against Nepal Police Club, allowing APF Football Academy to overtake them for second place in the standings.
In a tense encounter, Dakshya Lama gave Army the lead in the 33rd minute, but Bhupendra Dharala equalized for Machhindra in the 51st minute. The match reached a fever pitch as Machhindra secured the win and the title with a dramatic penalty converted by Kabir Tamang in the fifth minute of added time.
Champions Machhindra won the cash prize of Rs 100,000 while APF collected Rs 50,000.
ANFA officials, including Vice President Deepak Khatiwada, General Secretary Kiran Rai, and Ex-Co member Bikash Narayan Shrestha, CEO Indraman Tuladhar, Spokesperson Suresh Shah presided over the award ceremony, presenting certificates and medals to the victorious Machhindra Football Club.
