By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu (HamroKhelkud) – Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC have registered their first win in the Nepal Super League (NSL). The NSL newcomers, Ilam, defeated other newcomers in Jhapa FC 1-0 to turn their frown after the defeat against Kathmandu to relief. Amath Ndaw scored the only goal of the match for Ilam.
Ilam were creating chances regularly after a goalless first half. Despite failing to convert a penalty late in the game, they managed to score in the final minutes and registered the win.
Jhapa squandered a huge chance in the 11th minute after their Spanish striker Jorge Perez Sanchez went around Ilam goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu off a Chhring Lama pass but failed to put the ball in the back of the net. Ilam’s Ibrahim Djite’s effort in the 32nd minute, after beating right-back Chhiring Lama, went wide of the post.
Sanchez failed to get to the end of a pass in the 32nd minute and Bikesh came off the line to clear. Ilam’s Bharat Khawas’ effort in the 38th minute couldn’t trouble Jhapa goalkeeper Stefan Cupic. Anjan Bista’s diving header from a Chhiring Lama long ball in the 44th minute hit the upright of the goal.
Amath Ndaw’s first touch at the start of the second half squandered a chance due to a weak first touch which was gathered by Cupic coming off the goalline. Bikesh made a wonderful save in the 54th minute to put the ball wide off the post off a Jorge Sanchez header from a Suraj Bista cross. Ilam’s Ndaw failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity in the 63rd minute.
In the 69th minute, Ilam’s three consecutive shots failed to score. Abdoulge Ba’s initial shot hit the post and deflected back. On the rebound, Fode Kamara’s shot was saved by Cupic. Dipesh Ghale’s shot on another rebound was tipped over by Cupic.
Ilam failed to convert a penalty in the 84th minute. Yogesh Gurung’s foul on Bharat Khawas handed Ilam the penalty but Ndaw’s blasted the spot-kick over the crossbar. But just after failing to convert the penalty, Ndaw confirmed all three points for his side. Ndaw pounced on the rebound after Cupic saved a Bharat Khawas shot.
Jhapa had a chance to equalize in the final minute of stoppage time but Pradip Lama’s attempt from a Laxman Ruchal cross was saved by Bikesh.
FC Chitwan and Kathmandu RayZrs will take on each other in Tuesday’s fixture. The match will kick off at 5:30 PM at the Dasharath Stadium.
