By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 10, 2025 15:18 PM • 100 views
Kathmandu — Defending champions Lalitpur City FC showcased their championship pedigree with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chitwan FC on Thursday, leaping to the summit of the Nepal Super League standings at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor.
In a match defined by set-piece brilliance, Nigerian forward Emo Ezekiel and midfielder Mani Lama scored for Lalitpur, while Victor Mansare found the net for Chitwan in a tightly contested affair.
Lalitpur clarified their intentions early, breaking the deadlock in the second minute. Ezekiel rose above the Chitwan defence to head home a pinpoint free-kick delivery from Mani Lama, his effort beating goalkeeper Amal Knight and rattling in off the back post.
Despite the early setback, Chitwan regrouped and steadily applied pressure, eventually drawing level in the 74th minute. Lalitpur's defence failed to clear Jay Gurung's low drive from a pass by Shishir Lekhi, allowing Mansaray to pounce on the loose ball and slot past substitute goalkeeper Samit Shrestha for the equalizer.
However, Lalitpur struck back just six minutes later, again capitalizing on a set-piece situation. After Jay fouled Ezekiel just outside the box, Mani Lama stepped up and unleashed a fierce strike that thundered off the upright and into the net, sealing the win for the defending champions.
The result keeps Lalitpur unbeaten in the tournament, with eight points from four matches—a crucial boost to their playoff hopes. Chitwan, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign, remains in contention with seven points from four outings and two matches still to play.
The action continues Friday with a marquee matchup between former champions Kathmandu Rayzrs and two-time runners-up Dhangadhi FC, promising another exciting chapter in Nepal's premier football competition.
