NSL: Rangers & Jhapa FC share goalless draw

KATHMANDU: In the third edition of the Nepal Super League, the match between Kathmandu Rangers and Jhapa FC ended in a goalless draw. This result marked the second consecutive draw for both teams.

The game, held at Dasarath Stadium, saw Kathmandu create more goal-scoring opportunities but fail to capitalize on them.

On the counterattack, Jhapa managed to create a few chances and posed some problems for Kathmandu’s defense.

In the 5th minute, Kathmandu missed a golden opportunity. Amanado Diop made a brilliant solo run, but his shot from inside the box hit the crossbar.

In the 27th minute, Diop’s cutback pass found Nepali national team striker Gillespie Jung Karki, but his shot went over the bar, wasting another great chance to give Kathmandu the lead. Jhapa, on the other hand, failed to make significant attacks.

The first half ended in a goalless draw.

The second half started with a brilliant chance for Jhapa in the first minute. Alhaji Gero’s cutback found RS Lajara, whose shot from inside the box was superbly saved by Kathmandu goalkeeper Abhishek Baral, keeping the score level.

In the 66th minute, Kathmandu’s Gillespie delivered a cross that hit Jhapa goalkeeper Nemanja Lemajic’s finger, and Diop, who was close to the goal, couldn’t make a clean connection with the ball.

In injury time, Jhapa had another opportunity to take the lead, but Aaron Thapa’s shot hit the crossbar. Jhapa’s goalkeeper Nemanja Lemajic was substituted after sustaining a shoulder injury, with Anjal Shrestha replacing him.

The game ended without any goals, and both teams had to settle for a point each.

This marked the second consecutive draw for both teams. In their first games, Kathmandu had drawn 2-2 against Lalitpur, while Jhapa had played a goalless draw with Butwal Lumbini.

Neither team has scored a goal in their last two matches.

Both Kathmandu and Jhapa have earned 2 points from two games.

Tomorrow, FC Chitwan will face Butwal Lumbini in the next fixture.