Rup Bahadur Lama and substitute Bijaya Ghalan shone late in the second half as Jawalakhel Youth Club secured a 2-0 win against Chyasal Youth Club in their Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League match at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato on Tuesday.

The Jawalakhel outfit largely dominated the first half but wasted their chances due to poor finishing. Chyasal, who had their frontman and former Nepal forward Santosh Sahukhala waiting for his 100th league goal, also had their share of chances but failed to make them count.

With a quarter of an hour’s play remaining, Jawalakhel coach Naresh Thapa rang in a change, bringing on Ghalan to replace Aruj Singh. The move instantly unlocked the Chyasal defence. He first released a nice through ball just outside the area in the 81st minute for Lama who stormed past Chyasal custodian Alan Neupane for a 1-0 lead. Two minutes later, Neupane failed to collect Lama's effort and Ghalan pounced upon the loose ball to nutmeg the Chyasal 'keeper to double their lead.

Chyasal coach Bal Gopal Sahukhala rued his side's defensive frailties, though. "The game was out of our control, we couldn't pass well and maintain possession. Our players appeared lethargic today," he said.

"Playing against African players has appeared difficult for our players as they are physically strong," said coach Sahukhala, whose side has three Japanese players in his club's quota of three foreign players. "One of the Japanese players has returned home for personal reasons. We are looking forward to adding reinforcement through the South Asian quota."

He also refuted claims that his side had been bogged down by his younger brother’s performance. "Santosh's wait for his 100th goal hasn't put pressure on the team," the coach said.

His counterpart at Jawalakhel, coach Thapa, however, lauded his players’ showing in the match. "We played well and created several chances, but could not convert them in the first half," he said.

The win has lifted Jawalakhel to the third place in the table with eight points from four matches. Machhindra hold the second spot with nine points and Three Star fourth on seven points with a game in hand.

"We initially had not expected that we would be in this position at this stage. This is a great feeling for everyone in the team and the management," said the elated Thapa after the match.

"Our team is exceeding expectations at the moment. But we must not be carried away."

Later in the day, Bijay Gurung’s first-half goal proved decisive as Brigade Boys Club marked their 100th match of the domestic top-flight with a 1-0 win over Himalayan Sherpa Club.

With the win, Brigade Boys climbed up to the sixth spot in the table with six points, while Himalayan Sherpa are in the 11th position with two points from four matches.

Last season’s runners-up Sankata Club and Nepal Police Club will be in action in Wednesday’s first match (11:30am kick-off) at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato. Tribhuvan Army Club and Three Star Club take to the field at the same venue at 3pm.