The district team which made a bright start to its league campaign was dealt with a huge blow on its title ambition after it lost last two matches.
Jhapa's title dream ended after it lost to Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) in the penultimate match before going down 1-0 to Three Star.
After the win over APF, Jhapa settled for fourth position with 27 points while APF ended fifth with 23 points. Leader Three Star (32 points), MMC (31 points) and Tribhuvan Army Club (30 points) are the top three teams in the standings and yet to play last matches.
Three Star and MMC are in the two-horse race for title and the winner will be decided only after the outcome of those teams scheduled for Saturday.
Meanwhile, Army could secure second position if it beats Nepal Police Club irrespective of any outcome between the top two teams. Army is scheduled to take departmental rival on Friday.
On Thursday, Karna Limbu and Dinesh Karki were on target for Jhapa which came from behind in the battle for fourth place finish. Skipper Ganesh Lawati had given lead to APF.
After the win over APF, Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale commented that his side gained sound experience for the team's first ever league.
"At a point we had solid chances of lifting the trophy as well. But we faltered in the later stage, ending our title chance," Ale said.
APF had taken lead in the 13th minute through Ganesh who converted Nabin Lama's pass from the zone. But diminutive forward Karna Limbu restored the parity for the visiting team two minutes later fed by Bishal Rai. The goal turned to be 13th of the league for Karna who also equalized his goals tally to highest scorer Nawayug Shreshta of Army.
Dinesh, having similar physique as that of Karna netted the decisive for Jhapa seven minutes before the break.
APF coach Krishna Thapa said that his side did not put much effort on the pitch since the result was not much significant.
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