Kathmandu: Shree Bhagwati Club of Tokha have earned promotion to the top tier of Nepali football after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Boys Union Club on Tuesday in the Martyrs Memorial ‘B’ Division League.

The crucial win guaranteed Shree Bhagwati at least a second-place finish with one match to spare — the minimum requirement for promotion to the ‘A’ Division. This marks the club’s first-ever ascent to the premier division.

Shree Bhagwati, one of only two unbeaten teams this season, now sit second with 26 points from 12 matches. Boys Union, based in Tripureshwar and former ‘A’ Division champions, remain third with 19 points. They entered the match under pressure, needing a win to keep their promotion hopes alive, but fell short as Shree Bhagwati scripted history.

League leaders Planning Boys had already clinched the title and promotion prior to this round.

Shishir Lekhi and Ajit Lama struck in the first half to put Shree Bhagwati in command, while Sanjeeb Lama pulled one back for Boys Union with a stunning free-kick — ultimately a consolation goal.

In Tuesday’s earlier match, Annapurna RCT and Birgunj United played out a 1-1 draw, a result that confirmed Tushal’s relegation to the ‘C’ Division. Nayabasti had already been relegated earlier in the season.

RCT took the lead through Prajol Gurung before Sanjay Chaudhari equalized for Birgunj. The result lifted RCT to 11th position with 15 points, while Tushal remain on 11. Birgunj United sit fifth with 17 points.

The final round of matches is set to begin on Wednesday.