As the BEFC Lions launched their first campaign as a TML Team, they gathered to face the pretty unknown threat of Nepal FC. Not withstanding this, they were equally ready and thirsty for a win, with their speed and strong keeping looking to show Lions what to expect from the Division 3.

As BEFC Lions started with some strong dribbling and passing, it was only through an fortunate shot in the first half that Nepal got through. Midfielder Hide and Leftwinger Shah constantly displayed their attacking power through dribbles and runs which would eventually allow Lions to catch up.

Nepal's second goal game through another unlucky deflection, which eventually crept under the keeper and achingly rolled past the goal line. However Lions were far too motivated to let the two goal advantage get the best of them and through their man of the match found a way to break a deadlock through two strong, trademark, left foot shots from Shah.

Further goals were then stopped as Captain Vernon made a demonstration on how experience can beat speed, as he smoothly got rid of the incoming threats from the right. On the right, Reece and Masa proved an unbreakable block, and although at times left alone in the DM, Freeke made sure to control the game and distribute the ball so that Komatsu and Yong could attack.

Lion's first goal came from a simple yet beautiful build up that displayed all the strengths of the team. A powerful recovery from Reece, followed by a long ball by VC Komatsu, which would have been intercepted had Charles not steamrolled through the Nepal FC defender to then delicately cross the ball into Shah who needed only fire away at the lonely keeper.

Rallying from the first goal, the Lions were conviced of their ability to win the game and pushed forward as defender Masa intercepted and launched balls, which wingers Caughey, Shah, Pandya and Galic would then often transform into opportunities, each having a chance denied by the Nepal goalkeeper, including two fortunate saves from shots by Charles and Viran, barely getting a foot in the path of the ball.

Nepal's third goal came after an unlucky rebound from a great save by Lions debutant GK Ryo. Despite getting a touch in a one on one, the ball came into the path of another player who fired in. Yet again one behind, the Lions started to press with quick passing and physical playing. Eventually a delivery from midfielder Hide managed to confuse the defence and allow Captain Viran to score the vital equalizer by nutmegging the keeper who had come a long way out of goal as he tried to pull off a Neuer.

As the game came to a close, with a tie seemingly unavoidable, Nepal launched a series of attacks through their fresher players. Fortunately air play was intercepted by Kuroda, and ground play by Komatsu and Freeke who were often in the middle of heavy battle in midfield, eventually earning Lions a bitter draw - bitter as the team felt that it could have been a win, but again, being the first time the team assembled on the pitch the result was not one to be looked down on.

A well deserved round of social beers were had following the game with a long and tough discussion about the game going through, with several names going around as standout player. Eventually Shah was elected for his powerful shooting and decisive finishing, with new recruit Hide's skills in the midfield earning plaudits as well.