Lalitpur, Birgunj play thrilling 2-2 draw in NSL

KATHMANDU: Lalitpur City FC missed an opportunity to claim the top spot in the table as it settled for a thrilling 2-2 draw against Birgunj United FC in the Nepal Super League (NCL) at Dasharath Stadium on Tuesday.

Birgunj United earned its first point after three matches, breaking Lalitpur City’s impregnable defense which had not conceded in its first three matches.

Lalitpur City started the game aggressively and created two chances within the opening five minutes. Omolala Kareem’s free-kick was denied by Aikins Baffour, and shortly after, Captain Ananta Karki’s powerful shot, following Anil Maharjan’s corner kick, was punched over the post by Birgunj United’s keeper and Captain Deep Karki.

Against the run of play, Birgunj United took the lead in the 10th minute when William Opoku unleashed a powerful shot into the left corner past Lalitpur keeper Jeffrey Baltus. Opoku got the ball after Laltipur Captain Ananta failed to clear the ball.

Lalitpur City equalized three minutes later. Imoh Ezekiel controlled Shesehang Angdembe’s long pass and beat Birgunj keeper Karki in a one-versus-one situation.

Lalitpur took the lead in the 27th minute when midfielder Nikhil Kadam capitalized on a defensive lapse by Birgunj. Kadam got the ball after Birgunj defender Jadje failed to clear Lalitpur forward Dinesh Henjan’s pass and scored a beautiful goal from 19 yards.

Birgunj managed to level the score seven minutes into the second half. Kripakanta Tharu tapped in easily after William Opoku’s powerful free-kick hit the bar and fell in front of him.

Birgunj had an opportunity to take the lead three minutes later, but substitute Jaya Gurung’s powerful shot hit the woodwork.

In injury time, Lalitpur had a chance to secure all three points. Birgunj keeper Karki saved Ananta Tamang’s free-kick to ensure that his side secured its first point in the league.

Despite the draw, Birgunj remains at the bottom of the league table, while Lalitpur holds the second position.