Jhapa XI and Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) stare at early elimination from Lalit Memorial U-18 Football Championship with defeats at the Anfa grounds in Satdobato on Wednesday.

Jhapa, who had played 1-1 draw in their opening game against Chyasal, suffered a 3-2 defeat against Saraswati Youth Club. Jhapa have one point while Saraswoti and Nepal Armed Police (APF) Club gave three points each in Group A. Later in the day, MMC were thumped 5-1 by Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC). MMC, the powerhouse at senior football, had lost 3-0 in their first match against Friends Club and the result leaves them without a point after two games. The Army team top the Group ‘B’ standings with six points from two matches.

Jhapa looked like a team with a mission early on against Saraswoti but custodian Bishnu KC made some heroic saves to keep them at bay prompting. It was Saraswati though who appeared to have a complete control of the game after midfielder Rohan Thapaliya gave them the 45th minute lead. Dipak Ghising doubled their advantage on the hour mark with a well placed strike at top right of the roof. Saraswoti though they have all but sealed their win when Sujan Shrestha made it 3-0 seven minutes later. 

However, the match was far from over as winger Ajay Dunwar reignited Jhapa’s comeback hopes with a 70th minute goal. Sabin Thapa Magar then made it 3-2 with a late strike but it was too little too late for Jhapa. Thapa Magar blasted a shot past goalkeeper KC three minutes into the stoppage time. 

Jhapa coach Prabesh Katuwal lamented on Jhapa players’ choice of playing for the Capital team rather than the place of origin. “The opponents were physically superior to us and I doubt if they are all U-18 in age,” said Katuwal. Saraswoti coach Krishna Gopal Shrestha believed the victory has increased their chances of making it to the quarter-finals. 

Army made light work of MMC in another game. Prijen Tamang opened scoring in the 20th minute while Dinesh Yonjan Dorje Tamang and Raman Limbu struck in the second half for departmental team studded with Anfa academy pass outs. They were also gifted an own goal. Aditya Shakya scored consolation for MMC.