Karna, who had netted the first and only hat-trick of the league during the team's last win, 3-0 over Jagadamba Lumbini FC (JLFC), netted in either half to stun the home team backed by local supporters. Man-of-the-match adjudged Karna broke deadlock in the 36th minute and sealed the win four minutes from time.
With two goals against JLFC, Karna also extended his goal scoring tally atop the standings with six goals under his belt, two ahead of Ranjan Bista of Armed Police Force (APF).The third victory in a row, after going down 1-0 against Tribhuvan Army Club in the opener, lifts Jhapa on summit with nine points. However, second to fourth placed teams - overnight leader Three Star, APF and Manang Marshyangdi Club has a match advantage over Jhapa. And Three Star could replace Jhapa from summit if it beats Nepal Police Club in the next match. FWFC with one point remained stable on eighth position, second from the bottom.
The home despite creating chances failed to capitalize on them.
Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale said that it was tough to play against the home team and thus failed to score more goals. "FWFC also came up with good performance but they had some weaknesses," said Ale who did not disclosed what the weaknesses were.
Ale's counterpart Kiran Shrestha of FWFC rued on the missed chances and inexperience players. "Our team consists mostly of teenagers. They lack match experience which is the major cause of defeat," said Shrestha.
Butwal, Morang share points
BHAIRAHAWA: In another match of the Red Bull National League, home team Jagadamba Lumbini Football Club (JLFC) came from behind to salvage 1-1 draw against Morang FC in Butwal.
Anil Gurung hit back netted the late equalizer to cancel Jas Bahadur Rai's first half lead for the visitors. Jas Bahadur had netted in the 22nd minute put Morang in the driving seat but Anil rescued point for the home team in the 89th.
The result left JLFC and Morang unchanged on sixth and seventh positions with four and two points respectively.
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