Defending champions Kathmandu Rayzrs’ prowess in the Nepal Super League is gradually fading away as the league progresses.

Bal Gopal Maharjan’s side on Monday played a goalless stalemate with eighth-placed Jhapa at the Dasharath Stadium in a lacklustre affair that saw Kathmandu manage only one shot on target.

Kathmandu will still feel joy that they didn’t concede against a side that were missing their star forward Anjan Bista due to injury.

Jhapa were looking to bounce back following their poor start—two losses in as many matches—but Bista’s absence left a big void as Spanish coach Oriol Mohedano Segura’s men could not take advantage of a poor show from Kathmandu.

Jhapa’s Jorge Peiaez Sanchez reached closer to scoring on a number of occasions but the Spanish forward was toothless in front of the goal.

In fact, Canillas’s powerful left-footed effort from the left side of the box in the 28th minute was the only remarkable moment of the entire first half. His effort almost caught Kathmandu goalkeeper Abhishek Baral by surprise when the ball bounced off Baral’s gloves and managed to slip into the post but referee Nabindra Maharjan ruled that Samiraj Thokar had touched the goalkeeper while jumping to attempt a header.

Kathmandu lacked energy and plan and they were even clueless throughout the game as Jhapa threatened the opposition box a number of times after the restart.

Sanchez should have put Jhapa in front in the 47th minute when Thokar set him up with a defence splitting through pass but the Spanish was too lazy, allowing the Kathmandu defenders to surround him. Sanchez still attempted a shot but it was too tame.

In the 64th minute, Jhapa’s Samandar Ochilov’s long-ranged strike deflected off Anjan Rai’s legs and almost deceived goalkeeper Baral but the goalie was aware and punched the ball away with a diligent save.

Sanchez was also presented with another clean opportunity in the 75th minute but he misfired.

Kathmandu’s only crack at the goal in the 86th minute after Rajiv Lopchan dribbled past three Jhapa defenders to feed Nkgngue Junior, who also beat two Jhapa defenders to race into the opposition box but Jhapa goalkeeper Stefan Cupic reacted quickly to block Junior’s attempt.

The outcome leaves Kathmandu in the fourth position on five points after one win and two draws, two points adrift of leaders Lalitpur City. The reigning champions could see Lalitpur extend their lead to five points if they beat winless Birgunj United on Tuesday.

Kathmandu had begun their title defence with a 1-0 win over Sporting Ilam in the season opener on November 24.

Jhapa remain second from bottom with two draws and a loss.