Butwal, Jhapa share the spoils

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 31: Jhapa FC was held to a goalless draw by 10-man Butwal Lumbini FC on the second day of the 3rd Nepal Super League (NSL) at Dasarath Stadium on Sunday. Jhapa dominated the first half but failed to convert their chances. 

Butwal's goalkeeper, Deep Karki, put on an outstanding performance, denying Jhapa multiple times and earning the Man of the Match title.

The game turned physical in the second half, with both teams struggling to find the net. Butwal was reduced to 10 players in the last 20 minutes after their captain, Arik Bista, received a second yellow card for fouling Jhapa's Isaev Mukhammad. 

He was sent off with the league’s first red card of the season and will miss the next game against Dhangadhi FC.

Despite their numerical advantage, Jhapa couldn't break the deadlock and had to settle for a point. Both teams walked away sharing one point.

The NSL’s first match also ended in a draw. 

Kathmandu Rayzrs, the first edition champions, came back from two goals down in the second half to draw 2-2 with defending champions Lalitpur City FC. 

Lalitpur took the lead in the 5th minute when Kathmandu's Kamal Shrestha scored an own goal. 

Lalitpur doubled their lead in the 15th minute, but Amadou Diop cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 75th minute. 

Vincent Koziello then equalized with a penalty in stoppage time, making it 2-2. Day 3 of the NSL will feature a clash between FC Chitwan and Pokhara Thunder FC.