Jhapa FC’s dreams of reaching the Nepal Super League playoffs took a massive blow on Friday night, as they were stunned 2-0 by a seemingly deflated FC Chitwan, a team already eliminated from the postseason race. This surprising turn of events at Dasharath Stadium leaves Jhapa’s playoff fate dangling precariously in the hands of tomorrow’s matches.

With a dominant double-goal performance, Rafiq Aminu stole the show for Chitwan, while their goalkeeper and captain, Bishal Shrestha, transformed into an impenetrable wall, denying Jhapa at every turn. This unexpected triumph propelled Chitwan to a respectable fifth-place finish, marking a bittersweet conclusion to their campaign.

Jhapa is now nervously clinging to fourth place with 10 points after all league-stage matches, their playoff destiny resting on the outcomes of Birgunj United FC and Kathmandu Razors’ clashes tomorrow. Both Birgunj and Kathmandu hold the keys to Jhapa’s fate.

Birgunj, sitting seventh with 8 points but with a game in hand, can snatch the final playoff spot with a victory against Butwal Lumbini. A Kathmandu defeat to Lalitpur City FC would also pave the way for Jhapa’s progression, although a draw for Lalitpur (currently third with 10 points) is enough to secure their playoff berth.

The tension is palpable, with every goal and point holding the power to rewrite the tournament’s narrative. Jhapa can only watch and wait, replaying their missed opportunities in their minds. Anjan Bista’s penalty miss, swallowed by the heroics of Shrestha, will haunt them particularly.

Friday’s clash witnessed two contrasting realities: Chitwan’s jubilant swansong against Jhapa’s desperate scramble for survival. As the dust settles, all eyes turn to tomorrow’s fixtures, where the final dominoes in the NSL playoff puzzle will tumble, revealing the fate of Jhapa FC and the other contenders vying for postseason glory.