Tripureshwar, Nepal: In a tense and tightly contested affair, Sporting Ilam FC emerged victorious 1-0 against Lalitpur City FC in the ongoing Nepal Super League (NSL) at the Dasharath Stadium. This hard-fought win puts Ilam up to fifth in the standings, while Lalitpur remains in third despite suffering their first defeat.

The game exploded in the 59th minute when Phode Kamara pounced on a Lalitpur defensive error. He dispossessed goalkeeper Omolaja Nureen Karim with a deft touch and coolly slotted the ball home, showcasing his predatory instincts.

Before that, both sides had threatened. Naveen Lama rattled the Ilam crossbar with a thunderous effort from outside the box in the 21st minute. At the same time, Dinesh Heinjan nearly gave Lalitpur the lead two minutes later but was denied by a stunning save from Ilam’s Vikesh Kuthu.

Kuthu was the undisputed hero for Ilam, Lalitpur’s attacks at every turn. He made a crucial stop from Anant Tamang in the 35th minute and comfortably collected Dinesh’s cross in the 74th, adding valuable inches to his growing reputation as a reliable shot-stopper.

Lalitpur refused to go down without a fight, and Sanish Kshestha came agonizingly close to an equalizer in the 82nd minute. However, Ilam held firm, showcasing their tactical discipline and defensive resilience.

This victory highlights Ilam’s strategic approach and mental fortitude, propelling them up the table. The first defeat stings for Lalitpur, but it remains firmly in the playoff hunt. The NSL continues to be a captivating spectacle, with Dhangadhi FC holding the undefeated team throughout the season.