Kathmandu Rayzrs, Jhapa FC Share Spoils in Goalless Stalemate
Kathmandu Rayzrs and Jhapa FC played out a goalless draw in their second match of the third edition of the Ncell Nepal Super League at Dashrath Stadium on Thursday. Both teams remain winless, registering their second consecutive draw of the tournament. Despite creating the better chances, Kathmandu failed to capitalize. Their first big opportunity came in the fifth minute when Amando Diop's solo run ended with a powerful strike from inside the box, only to be denied by the crossbar. Kathmandu continued to press, and in the 27th minute, Diop's cut-back set up Nepali international Gillespie Jung Karki, but the striker squandered the chance. Jhapa, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter but struggled to test Kathmandu's defence. The first half ended in a stalemate. Jhapa's best opportunity came in the opening minute of the second half when Lazar's strike from inside the box was brilliantly saved by Kathmandu goalkeeper Abhishek Baral.  Kathmandu nearly found a breakthrough in the 66th minute when Karki's cross forced a fingertip save from Jhapa keeper Nemanja Lemazic, but Diop failed to convert the rebound from close range. Jhapa almost snatched victory in injury time, but Aaron Thapa's shot rattled the crossbar. To add to their woes, Lemazic suffered a shoulder injury in stoppage time and was replaced by Anjal Shrestha. Neither side could find a late winner, leaving both teams to settle for a point. With this result, Kathmandu and Jhapa have two points from two matches. Kathmandu previously played out a 2-2 draw with Lalitpur, while Jhapa has yet to score in the tournament after a goalless draw against Butwal Lumbini in their opener. **Next Fixture** FC Chitwan will face Butwal Lumbini in tomorrow's clash. Both teams are looking to secure their first win of the season.
