Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Lalitpur City FC missed the opportunity to claim the top spot in the Nepal Super League (NSL) after being held to a goalless draw by Jhapa FC at the Dasharath Stadium on Friday.
Lalitpur maintained its undefeated streak in the NSL with two wins and four draws, amassing 10 points, just one less than table-topper Dhangadhi FC which has a game in hand.
The draw could potentially hinder Jhapa’s chances for a top-four finish, as it currently has seven points from six games – one win, four draws, and one defeat.
Lalitpur made the first serious move of the match in the 35th minute with Imoh Ezekiel delivering a beautiful pass for Papa Kebe. However, Jhapa defender Bishal Basnet cleared the ball before Kebe could reach it. Lalitpur missed another opportunity two minutes later when Ezekiel’s header off Nikhil Kadam’s pass failed to find the mark.
Jhapa made the first serious move of the game in the 39th minute, but Sudip Shrestha shot wide from a good position. In injury time, Canillas received Chhiring Lama’s long pass, beat Lalitpur captain Ananta Tamang, and unleashed a powerful shot at the post, but his shot was saved by Lalitpur keeper Jeffrey Baltus.
Lalitpur began the second half began brightly with Dinesh Henjan providing a beautiful pass for Nikhil Kadam just two minutes after the restart. The Indian right-winger, however, failed to convert. In the 50th minute, Kebe directed Ezekiel’s shot toward Jhapa’s post, but Jhapa keeper Stefan Kupic made the save.
Dinesh Henjan had another chance in the 62nd minute. But his powerful shot from the box that sailed above the post, much to Jhapa’s relief.
In the injury time, Jhapa keeper Kupic saved Lalitpur captain Ananta Tamang’s header to deny Lalitpur all three points.
