Lumbini FC stunned leaders Jhapa 1-0 at their home to register second victory in the Red Bull National League here at the Domalal Stadium in Birtamod on Saturday.

The victory was a huge blow to Jhapa who were aiming to widen the gap with second-placed Three Star who have 15 points from eight matches. Jhapa still lead the table with 17 points but Three Star have two-game advantage. Unlikely winners Lumbini moved one place up to eighth in the nine-team League with seven points from 10 matches.

In another game, Far-western FC hammered Morang 5-1 with a brace from Lawal. Far-western, with a majority of national U-19 players, are level on 13 points with Manang Marshyangdi Club but remained unchanged at the sixth spot. Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal Armed Police Force Club are third and fourth on 14 points with former sitting ahead on goal difference.

Jhapa’s return to the League after the earthquake has not been good so far as they had also played a goalless draw against bottom-team Morang in the ninth game. Morgan are yet to register a victory in the tournament having played five draws. A 17th minute strike from Purna Bahadur Gurung was enough for Lumbini to lift them out of the bottom.

Jhapa coach Bhagirath Ale rued the missed chances. “We had numerous goal scoring chances but every time we failed to cash on them. The result is not what we have wanted,” said Ale.

Meanwhile in Dangihat, Far West dominated the entire match but had to wait for the 44th minute to open their account with Lawal putting the team ahead. Sumit Khadka soon leveled for the hosts after the resumption with a 48th minute equalizer but the goal ultimately proved to be consolation for the home team.

Ananta Tamang restored the lead for Far-west in the 61st minute before Lawal brought up his second goal striking in the 85th. Janom Man Legal made it 4-1 in the 90th minute before U-19 skipper Bimal Gharti Magar completed the rout two minutes into the extra time. In a departmental duel at the Anfa Complex on Sunday, TAC will take on Nepal APF Club.