Lalitpur defeats Chitwan 3-1 to go top of NSL

KATHMANDU: Lalitpur City FC climbed to the top of the Nepal Super League (NSL) table, defeating FC Chitwan 3-1 at the Dasharath Stadium on Sunday.

Papa Ibou Kebe scored two goals, while Bibek Poudel had a goal to his name for Lalitpur City. Torric Jebrin scored the consolation goal for FC Chitwan.

Lalitpur created a beautiful move in the 13th minute of the match. However, Chitwan keeper Bishal Shrestha saved Dinesh Henjan’s shot from the box. Three minutes later, Kebe had the chance to open the scoring for his side, but his header off Sanish Shrestha’s pass went wide of the post. Kebe, who beautifully collected Nikhil Kadam’s cross, failed to beat the Chitwan keeper in a one-versus-one situation a few minutes later.

Kebe finally made Lalitpur City’s pressure count when he flicked Dinesh Henjan’s cross into the post past the Chitwan keeper.

Chitwan made the first move in the 29th minute. However, Bimal Gharti Magar’s low shot off Chhiring Gurung’s pass failed to trouble Lalitpur keeper Jeffrey Baltus. He also made another save two minutes later when Rafiq Aminu unleashed a powerful shot after beating three Lalitpur defenders.

Lalitpur missed the chance to double the lead in the injury time of the first half as Imoh Ezekiel’s shot hit the bar after it was deflected off Yussif Mubarik.

Bibek doubled Chitwan’s lead in the 57th minute as he unleashed a beautiful volley after Yussif Mubarik’s clearance inside the box fell toward him.

Chitwan had three chances to claw back into the game. In the 64th minute, Afriyie Acquah’s free-kick sailed over the bar. Six minutes later, substitute Navayug Shrestha’s shot from 25 yards was saved by Lalitpur keeper Baltus. Jebrin’s shot in the next minute deflected off Omolaja Kareem.

Chitwan finally scored in the 89th minute when Aminu found the back of Lalitpur net after controlling Jebrin’s pass.

Lalitpur was awarded a penalty in injury time after Utsab Rai fouled Lalitpur’s substitute player Aditya Shakya. Kebe didn’t make any mistakes to put his side 3-1 up. He had the opportunity to get his hat-trick, but his shot minutes later hit the crossbar.

With the win, Lalitpur moved to the top of the table with nine points from five games. Chitwan dropped to seventh with five points.

Kathmandu Rayzrs meet Pokhara Thunders in the NSL on Monday.