Sporting Ilam defeats Jhapa FC to earn first win in NSL

KATHMANDU: Sporting Ilam de Mechi registered its first victory in the Nepal Super League (NSL), defeating Jhapa FC 1-0 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Monday.

Senegalese striker Amath Ndaw scored the only goal of the match in the 86th minute, two minutes after he missed a penalty.

Sporting Ilam had conceded a 0-1 draw against Kathmandu RayZrs in its first match of the league.

Jhapa had the opportunity to take the lead in the 11th minute. Jorge Perez Sanchez received Chhiring Lama’s long pass, but his shot went awfully wide. Jhapa was unlucky in the 44th minute when Anjan Bista’s diving header hit the crossbar.

Sporting Ilam keeper Bikesh Kuthu made a beautiful save in the 54th minute as he punched Sanchez’s powerful header.

Sporting Ilam made three attempts in the 69th minute. Abdoukge Ba’s shot hit the crossbar. Jhapa keeper Stephen Kupic then saved Fode Kamara’s shot from the rebound. Kupic again punched Dipesh Ghale’s shot from the rebound above the post.

Jhapa had the opportunity to level the score in the fifth minute of injury time. However, Pradeep Lama’s shot off Laxman Ruchal’s pass was saved by Sporting Ilam keeper Kuthu.

In the next match of the league, FC Chitwan takes on Kathmandu RayZrs on Tuesday.