Against the run of the match, Rajan Adhikari broke the heart of Jawalakhel with a 37th minute goal, which turned out to be the match decider. NRT achieved the target in its first and only attractive move in the whole match, handing a major setback on Jawalakhel´s title bid.[break]
Adhikari scored from the box in a short pass set by Sushil KC off Asim Jung Karki cross in a counter attack. NRT was playing with its full strength team for the first time after a three-match ban on its three players - skipper Laxman Ruchal, Raghu Prajapati and Asim jung Karki - for their involvement in a brawl.
Jawalakhel is now in second place with 12 points, six points behind leader Police after playing equal six matches while NRT climbed fifth from seventh with eight points.
In the Martyrs Memorial League held about five months ago, NRT had played 2-2 draw against Jawalakhel.
Jawalakhel had created nearly half a dozen attractive moves but failed to capitalize on any of them. Jawalakhel´s African recruit Gerard Mukonza missed a couple of golden scoring chances while Bishal Rai (jersey no 9) also squandered as many chances.
Jawalakhel looked weaker after conceding the first goal but was back in tune after the interval. However, poor finishing cost the team dearly.
Piling pressure from the beginning of the match, Jawalakhel created its first attractive chance in the 15th minute but Mukonza´s one-touch shot from the box went inches away from the pole. Unmarked Mukonza again squandered a scoring chance in the 76th minute when his tapping from the six-yard box sailed above bar in Sachindra Dhimal´s header.
Similarly, Rai´s 28th minute strike after chest controlling cross of Raj Paudel went inches wide. Rai again missed a chance in the 82nd minute as he hit high above bar in an empty post after NRT goalie Raju Yogi was beaten.
Jawalakhel coach Kishor KC said lack of zeal in his players was one of the major causes for the defeat. “Despite putting in hard effort, we failed to win the match. We were well aware of NRT´s strategy," KC said adding, “They play making strong defence and try to score in counter attacks.” He also lauded NRT coach Raju Shakya and termed the opponent technically sound.
NRT coach Shakya said though his team put in a great effort, they failed to perform well. “As this is our first match in the ground, we could not adjust properly and we came under pressure after we failed to hold the ball after scoring.”
RCT beats Three Star
In the day´s other match, which saw more tense moments than real moves and counter moves, Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) defeated Mega Three Star Club 1-0 with a freekick goal from defender Ntolo Goumou to register its third consecutive win over the same rival.
The African player for RCT opened the scoring in the very second minute with a brilliant freekick from 30 yards in the match, which featured eight yellow cards in total including five for Three Star and three for RCT. The match was conducted by FIFA referee Sachin Amatya. RCT was awarded the freekick after Three Star´s Bishnu Sunwar tackled Olawala O Afeez.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the referee´s decision, RCT officials Changes Lal Shrestha and Uttam Lal Shrestha exchanged heated words with ANFA officials and match officials during the interval.
Similarly, the match turned out to be even worse during the later stage with players using abusive language against one another. Five yellow cards were flashed during the last ten minutes of the match.
RCT remained steady in the eighth place with seven points and Three Star dropped to sixth from fifth place with eight points.
All three players of RCT who attracted yellow cards from the referee including forward Amar Dangol and African players duo David Nkang and Afeez will miss their next match scheduled against Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) as it was their second card. Similarly, Three Star will be without midfielder Bikram Lama who got his second card in a row.
RCT coach heavily criticized referee´s decision and lamented on the loss of three key players against MMC. “Our next match against MMC is vital and how can a former Three Star player be referee in a match featuring Three Star,” Karki questioned about referee Amatya, who was once a Three Star player. Regarding the tense moments in the day´s match, Karki said, “Whenever we have match against Three Star, tension occurs - be it in Kathmandu or in Dharan.”
Mitramilan will take on Sangam Club and Army will play against MMC on Saturday.
NRT´s beautiful gift to Police
Defeat of the second-placed Jawalakhel at the hands of NRT became a beautiful gift to leader Nepal Police Club. Following Jawalakhel´s defeat, Police will finish the sixth round of tournament with a six-point lead over the second-placed team. Police has 18 points.
Fourth-placed MMC could climb to the second place if it beats Nepal Army on Saturday, but will still be six points behind Police with only three matches left in the tournament.
NRT not only defeated Jawalakhel but also had edged past other title contender MMC in its second match. Star-studded MMC was regarded as the title favorite before the beginning of the tournament.
MMC had finished runner-up in the Martyrs Memorial League behind Police on the basis of goal difference. On that occasion too, NRT had held MMC to 1-1 draw.
Police coach Birat Krishna Shrestha accepted NRT as a lucky charm for his team. “NRT is lucky for us. I was part of NRT. I have been both a player and a coach.”
“We can only be sure of the title if we win one out of three of our matches. But our way has been eased by NRT,” Shrestha added.
After the match, Jawalakhel coach Kishor KC said the defeat is a big blow to his side´s title hopes and the victory is essential to keep it practically alive. “Now, the title haul is easier for Police and it is the only team to benefit most by today´s loss,” KC said. KC´s counterpart Raju Shakya of NRT opined that Police is the team with maximum chance of winning the title after Jawalakhel´s defeat.
Man runs away with match ball
The match ball during Jawalakhel and NRT´s match was stolen dramatically after the ball went out of the ground. The ball went out of the compound in the 84th minute after Bishal Rai (jersey no 9) of Jawalakhel shot high above the bar in his attempt to hit the target.
A spectator sitting outside the stadium premises and watching the game for free from a tree jumped down, took the ball and sprinted away. A man on a scooter gave him a hot chase, but to the surprise of all spectators present in the stadium, the scooterist stopped near the man only to allow him ride his pillion.
Some ANFA volunteers deployed at the site chased them on their motorbikes but none could anywhere close to them.
Related story
Chyasal wins B Division title, NRT back to top flight
