Early goals from Karna Limbu and Ganesh Khadka at home helped Jhapa avenge the first leg defeat of 0-1 played in Kathmandu. The win also lifted Jhapa on top of the standings with 21 points, two points ahead of overnight leader Three Star that enjoys two-match advantage over the district based team. The first defeat of the departmental team in 10-match dashed its hope of climbing atop the league standings for the first time. Army remained steady in third place with 17 points.Army's misery started in the very first minute at Surunga, the alternate venue, after regular ground Domalal, Birta Bajar, became unfavorable to play due to downpour. Host Jhapa District Football Association was forced to postpone the match scheduled for Thursday to next day. Karna Limbu put the home team ahead in the very first minute from the spot. The home team was awarded penalty after custodian Bikesh Kutu brought down Karna inside the danger zone.
Rejuvenated by early scoring, Jhapa made frequent attacks on goal and doubled advantage in the 12th minute. Winger Ganesh Khadka sent the ball at the back of the net when he collected Dinesh Karki's corner fed by Karna Limbu.
Army pushed on for comeback and reduced the goal deficit but it was too late. Army scored in the 90th minute after Jeetendra Karki hit the target. Besides Jeetendra's goal, the departmental side also came up with seven attempts on goal but custodian Jeetendra Karki remained the major obstacle to the visitor. Karna of the home team was declared the man-of-the-match.
Saturday's Matches
Morang FC V APF @ 15:00 NST
Venue: Laxmi Magra, Morang
Lumbini V MMC @ 15:00 NST
Venue: ANFA, Satdobato
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