After a few lackluster matches, an exciting encounter took place in the Nepal Super League (NSL) on Thursday. Defending champions Lalitpur City FC battled to defeat Chitwan FC in a match played at the Dasharath Stadium. After this win, Lalitpur has 8 points from 4 games. The team has climbed to the top. Perhaps Lalitpur has touched the magic mark needed to enter the playoffs. In this way, it can be said that one step of Lalitpur is in the playoffs.
Coach Simon Grayson is still not convinced. He says, "We will do the same thing in the next game, which will be necessary to enter the playoffs." Lalitpur will face Butwal-Lumbini and Jhapa FC in their remaining two games of the league stage. Grayson adds, 'We want to remain unbeaten in the league stage.' Coincidentally, Lalitpur have set a new record for unbeaten streak in the short history of the NSL. Lalitpur are unbeaten in their last 7 matches.
It includes 3 games of last season and 4 games of this season. Chitwan has suddenly come under pressure with this defeat. The team's journey ahead could prove to be tough. Chitwan was limited to 7 points from 4 games. Chitwan got off to a good start by winning the first two matches and could not maintain the rhythm after that. Now Chitwan will face Kathmandu Razors and Dhangadhi FC in the remaining two matches. "The results of the last two games have given us a hard time," said coach Naveen Neupane.
Second fastest goal
Lalitpur took the lead in the third minute and this goal went to Imoh Ezekiel. Ezekiel, unmarked on Mani Lama's free kick, headed the ball in the direction of the post. This 'Texts Book' remained the goal. It was the second fastest possible goal in the history of the competition, and the fastest this season. Earlier in the second season, Fode Fofana of Dhangadhi scored a goal in the second minute against Birganj United. In the middle of the second half, Chitwan managed to equalize.
Victor Mansare scored in the 74th minute. Mansare brought the ball into contact with the net, which Lalitpur could not clear well. Mani scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute of the match. His powerful shot from near the penalty area turned into a goal. Chitwan also lost their 5 match unbeaten run with this defeat. Chivatan were unbeaten in two games last season and three at the start of this season, but a loss now could prove fatal for the team. Mani, who appeared in the whole
game, was happy when he was presented to the media. He himself was confused about the decisive goal he had scored, because it had happened under so much stress and in such a short time that he could not understand it. But my aim was to hit the post. "Perhaps it may have touched the opposing player," said Mani. Whatever he claims, the mental state of the Lalitpur team is very strong and the team wants to maintain the current rhythm.
