In course of netting his second hat-trick, Ganesh opened scoring as early as in the fourth minute, netted his second individual goal in the injury time of first half and completed hat-trick in the 56th minute.He also became the second player to net twin hat-trick in the tournament after Nawayug Shrestha of Tribhuvan Army Club. Earlier, he had achieved the same feat in the departmental team's win over Morang FC. Six players have netted hat-trick in the current league. Besides, Ganesh, Shyam Nepali and Santosh Shrestha were also on score-sheet for APF. Suraj Hamal pulled one back for Lumbini.
After the win, APF remained stable on fifth place with 23 points from 13 matches. Three Star Club (26 points), Manang Marshyangdi Club (25 points), Army and Jhapa XI FC (24 points each) are above APF in the points table with three matches to spare. APF, however has a match advantage over Jhapa and could also lift winners trophy if it wins remaining three matches and top three teams lose at least one match each. APF is yet to play its second leg match against Far Western Football Region, Three Star and Jhapa.
Lumbini remained second from bottom with eight points with one match to spare in the League which does not have provision of relegation.
Enthusiastic after the win, APF coach Krishna Thapa claimed that his team was still in the title race. "The win has restored us back to the title race and we will look forward to earn winning results in upcoming fixtures," Thapa said. "The team will be strong after presence of Bista brothers Anjan and Ranjan."
Anjan is yet to join the team after competing in the AFC U-19 Qualifiers in Iran while Rajnaj returned on Thursday after remaining absent in three match of the league.
APF on Thursday resorted to offensive strategy since the onset and took early lead through Ganesh. Shyam Nepali doubled the advantage in the eighth minute, three minutes after Ganesh open account for departmental team. Suraj Hamal cut the goal deficit for Lumbini in the 37th but Ganesh against netted in the stoppage time of first half to go into break with 3-1 lead. Lawati netted his third individual goal in the 56th and Santosh wrapped up the comprehensive win 10 minutes from time.
Commenting on the match, APF coach Yam Gurung rued on missed chances. "They played aggressive football from the beginning and converted chances while we failed to do the same," Gurung said.
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