In a nail-biting encounter at Dasharath Rangshala, Sporting Ilam FC De Mechi secured their first triumph in the Nepal Super League’s second edition, defeating Jhapa FC 1-0. Amath NDAW’s decisive goal in the dying minutes sealed the match’s fate, earning three crucial points for Ilam. The first half was goalless, as neither team could make use of the opportunities they had. In the first half, Ilam made one attack after another. Ilam dominated Jhapa in the second half as well.

In the 8th minute, Ilam got a chance to break the set but could not take the lead. Ilam got a free kick after Jhapa’s defender, Chiring Lama, fouled forward Amath Ndaw at 30 yards. Ndaw shot a free kick, but his shot went wide. Three minutes later, Jhapa’s Jorge Sanchez quickly wasted the opportunity.

Using Chiring’s through ball, George, who scored a single run from the middle, beat the Ilam goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu inside the penalty box but could not give the direction of the goal post.

In the 21st minute, Jhapa’s danger was averted after the referee disallowed the goal scored by forward Fode Kamara on Dipesh’s cross for offside.

Eight minutes later, Jhapa averted another threat when defender Ibrahim won a powerful shot. Before the strike, Ibrahim beat Jhapa’s defender, Yogesh Gurung. Meanwhile, Bikesh saved George’s soft shot.

In the 38th minute, a shot by Bharat Khawas, who was not under any surveillance inside the box, was deflected from Fode’s cross.

With one minute remaining in the first half, Jhapa’s luck did not favour him. The first half ended goalless when Anjan Bista’s beautiful header from Laxman Ruchal’s cross hit the crossbar.

Jhapa lost another opportunity to take the lead before 10 minutes had passed at the beginning of the second half. Suraj Bista’s beautiful cross was saved by Bikesh, who was unguarded in the box.

Within a minute of that, Bikesh again became an obstacle for Jhapa. Bikesh easily saved Awas Lamichhane’s cross.

In the 69th minute, Ilam’s three chances could not be converted into goals. Midfielder Abdulje Ba’s shot from Ashish Gurung’s cross went into the lower corner. Fode again directed the rebound ball to the post. However, Jhapa’s goalkeeper, Stephen Chupik, saved the first shot. Taking control of the double rebound ball, Fode made a pass to Dipesh Ghale. Dipesh’s one-touch shot, which was not under any surveillance, was again saved by Stephen.

Ilam got a penalty when opposition defender Yogesh Gurung fouled Bharat Khawas with eight minutes remaining in the allotted time. Amath took advantage of the opportunity. Jhapa was relieved when his shot went out. However, three minutes later, Amath scored the game’s decisive goal.

Amath directed the rebound ball towards the goal post. The powerful shot at the second bar was saved by the goalkeeper Stefan. However, before the ball was cleared, Amath’s shot at the first bar turned into a goal.

The match was a hard-fought battle between two evenly-matched teams. Both sides had their chances, but Ilam made the most of their opportunities. Ndaw’s goal was a moment of magic as he curled a stunning shot into the top corner of the net from just outside the box.

The win was a massive boost for Ilam, who had recently struggled to find form. The victory will give them the confidence to push for the title.