Butwal Lumbini steal a point from Chitwan with late equalizer

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 8: A stoppage-time goal from Stéphane Samir Binong restricted FC Chitwan to a draw following a 1-1 scoreline against FC Butwal Lumbini in the 16th match of the Nepal Super League at Dasharath Stadium on Thursday.

Chitwan had almost secured three points with the only goal of the match. However, a late goal from Butwal Lumbini changed the tides and ended the match with a 1-1 draw.  

A half-volley from Utsab Rai of Chitwan to a ball he recovered after a poor goal kick from Butwal Lumbini’s goalkeeper Mohamodou Moussi secured a lead in the 49th minute. 

The shot from Rai was within the reach of Mohamodou; however, he could neither grab it nor punch it and prevent the goal.

Chitwan could have secured a lead in the first half; nevertheless, striker Bimal Gharti Magar was unable to capitalize on a chance. Bimal chipped the ball with extra power but it did not hit the frame.

Meanwhile, Chitwan, who was looking to climb to the third position in the league with the one-goal win, was denied the opportunity in injury time after the end of 

regulation time. 

Binong of Butwal took advantage of a poor clearance from the defenders of Chitwan in the 90+1 minute. A long pass into the 18-yard box of Chitwan was not cleared properly and Binong was able to touch the ball and send it to the back of the net above 

the goalkeeper. 

Binong had earlier missed two chances in the 53rd and 82nd minutes. He had also got a yellow card over a challenge on the goalkeeper during his miss in the 53rd minute.

Both Chitwan and Butwal Lumbini missed more chances.

Chitwan was restricted to the fifth position in the table after the draw. They have five points in four matches now. Butwal follows Chitwan in the sixth position with four points from the four matches.

On Friday, Birgunj United FC, which is at the bottom of the league, will be in action against Jhapa FC, which is in the second-to-last position in 

the table.