NSL 2025: Both Jhapa FC and Kathmandu Rayzrs FC came into the game with high expectations, and the match immediately delivered intensity. Kathmandu Rayzrs’ Amadou Diop nearly found the back of the net early in the 5th minute. After receiving a well-weighted pass, Diop drove into the box and fired a powerful shot. His effort beat the goalkeeper but struck the crossbar, keeping the score level.
Jhapa FC responded in the 9th minute when Gero found himself in a perfect position after a brilliant cross from the left. He went for a diving header, but the ball went wide of the target, leaving both teams still waiting to open their account.
NSL 2025: Kathmandu Misses Key Chances
In the 26th minute, Kathmandu Rayzrs FC had another chance to break the deadlock. Buya Turay delivered a brilliant cutback pass to Gillespye Jung Karki, who had a clear shot at goal. However, Karki’s attempt sailed over the bar, missing a prime opportunity to take the lead.
Jhapa FC’s Defensive Stability in the Second Half
The second half continued the theme of missed opportunities. In the 62nd minute, Diop found himself in a great position after a well-timed through ball, but Jhapa FC’s Roshan Pahari made a perfectly timed interception to clear the danger.
A few minutes later, Jhapa FC’s goalkeeper Nemanja made a crucial fingertip save, denying a dangerous cross from Karki that was intended for Diop. The best chance of the match came in the dying moments. In the 91st minute, Jhapa FC’s Aron Thapa Magar unleashed a powerful shot under pressure, but the ball rattled off the post, leaving both teams frustrated as the match ended in a goalless draw.
NSL 2025: Key Performances and Tactical Takeaways
The match featured solid defensive setups from both teams, making it difficult for attackers to find space. Kathmandu Rayzrs’ Diop remained a constant threat throughout but couldn’t finish his chances. Buya Turay also struggled to find his rhythm in front of goal, which will be a concern moving forward.
For Jhapa FC, Gero played with great energy, winning the ‘Energetic Player of the Match’ award and earning NPR 15,000, despite missing several crucial chances. Substitute Aron Thapa Magar showed his potential with a near goal and could push for a starting role in future matches.
Man of the Match and Injury Setback
In the final moments of the match, Jhapa FC’s goalkeeper Nemanja was injured and replaced by Anjal Shrestha. Kathmandu Rayzrs FC’s goalkeeper, Abhishek Baral, made several key saves and was named ‘Man of the Match,’ receiving NPR 30,000 for his outstanding performance.
NSL 2025: Areas for Improvement
Both teams will need to improve their clinical finishing and capitalize on set-piece opportunities in NSL 2025. Jhapa FC’s fullbacks must offer more in attack, and Kathmandu Rayzrs must sharpen their finishing in the final third. Both teams will need to focus on their offensive play to turn these draws into victories in future fixtures.
