Kathmandu (HamroKhelkud) – Defending champions Kathmandu RayZrs have made a winning start to the second edition of the Nepal Super League (NSL). Bal Gopal Maharjan’s side defeated Sporting ilam de Mechi FC by a slender margin of 1-0 to get three points on board at the very start of the campaign.
Substitute Rajiv Lopchan’s solitary goal in the second half was ample in Kathmandu’s victory. However, the match was far from entertaining for the fans who were present at the Dasharath Stadium for the opening day, which included a grand opening ceremony. There weren’t many chances created in the entirety of the match.
Kathmandu’s number ten Shokhrukh’s long-range effort was saved by Ilam’s marquee skipper Bikesh Kuthu who captained his opponents to the title in the first edition. Ilam’s Amath Ndaw’s effort from distance in the 12th minute was also easily gathered by Kathmandu number one Abhisek Baral. Shokhrukh’s through ball in the 19th minute met Hisub Thapaliya’s run but the Kathmandu skipper was denied by Bikesh.
Kathmandu broke the deadlock in the 51st minute. Shokhrukh’s corner kick fell for Rajiv inside the box and his backheel attempt was denied by Bikesh but wasn’t gathered by the Army man. The ball ricocheted to Rajiv’s feet and he pushed the ball over the line to hand his side the lead.
Chances weren’t coming for both teams after the goal was scored. Fode Kamara’s long-range effort in the 81st minute that went high and wide was the closest Ilam came to equalizing.
There will be a further two matches in the NSL tomorrow. Pokhara Thunders and FC Chitwan will go head-to-head in the first match of the day kicking off at 1 PM while the second match of the day will pit Lalitpur City FC against Butwal Lumbini FC at 5:30 PM.
