The results meant Jhapa stay second behind leaders Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) on goal difference alone after tying on 10 points each. MMC, however, have four games, one less than Jhapa. Three Star are third with eight points from five matches while NPC climbed to sixth with six points from five games. Fifth-placed Tribhuvan Army Club also have six points but have a game in hand. Morang lie rock bottom with two points in the nine-team league standings.

At the packed Domalal ground in Birtamode, Three Star survived a barrage of Jhapa attack but had their second-choice goalkeeper Alan Neupane to thank for to finish the game on level terms. Drafted in the side in the absence of Kiran Chemjong, Neupane made several wonderful saves to deny Jhapa an outright victory. He was awarded with man-of-the-match for his performance.

Jhapa XI coach Bhagirath Ale took heart from the fact that they were able to hold the star-studded side like Three Star to a draw. “We should have converted some of the chances but for the good goalkeeping. We will come up with better performance in next matches,” said Ale.

At the Sahid Stadium in Biratnagar, Jumanu Rai scored a last-gasp winner to provide struggling departmental team the precious three points. A lapse of concentration in the dying moments of the game cost Morang dear as their stubborn defence gave way when it mattered the most. Rai was named man-of-the-match.