Jhapa defeats Butwal Lumbini 1-0 to get its first win in NSL

KATHMANDU: Butwal Lumbini FC missed the chance to go top of the Nepal Super League (NSL) as it conceded a 0-1 defeat against Jhapa FC at the Dasharath Stadium on Tuesday.

Spanish forward Canillas scored the only goal of the match to give Jhapa FC its first win in the NSL. In its four previous fixtures, Jhapa faced defeat in one while it shared points in three.

With the victory, Jhapa has six points from five games, while Butwal Lumbini is fifth with seven from six games.

Jhapa made the first move of the game in the 8th minute. Captain Anjan Bista controlled a pass in the box and unleashed a powerful shot at the post. However, he couldn’t beat Butwal Lumbini keeper Mahamodou Moussi.

Butwal Lumbini had the opportunity to take the lead five minutes later. Saroj Tamang created a beautiful pass from the left wing for Stephane Binong. The ball fell to Serge Song after Binong failed to control it. However, Song’s shot hit the post. He shot in the rebound, but Jhapa keeper Stefan Cupic denied him.

Jhapa created another beautiful move in the 20th minute. Prashant Leksam controlled Avash Lamichhane’s cross from the center and directed it toward Anjan Bista. Anjan unleashed a powerful shot from 18 yards, which Butwal Lumbini keeper Moussi could only parry away. Laxman Ruchal unleashed a shot from the rebound, but his shot went wide.

Butwal keeper Moussi then saved Canillas’s powerful shot in the 23rd minute.

In the 39th minute, Jhapa captain Bista created a beautiful pass for Canillas from the left wing. He carried the ball into the box and slid a clever shot to defeat Butwal Lumbini keeper Moussi.

Pradip Lama had the opportunity to extend Jhapa’s lead in the 77th minute. Bista’s pass from the left wing found Lama unmarked in the box. However, he failed to control the pass, and the ball was cleared by Butwal Lumbini’s defender Hari Karki.

Jhapa had one last opportunity to double the scoreline. Avash Lamichhane created a beautiful pass for Canillas, but the Spaniard’s shot hit the crossbar. Samiraj Thapa had the opportunity to score from the rebound, but Moussi collected the ball.