NSL: Lalitpur City FC into the finals of the Nepal Super League
Lalitpur City FC, which was a victim of poor refereeing decisions, has entered the finals of the third edition of the Nepal Super League (NSL).
Lalitpur, limited to 10 players, entered the final for the second consecutive time after defeating the previous runners-up Dhangadhi FC 2-1 in the first qualifier held at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwor on Saturday.
‘Lalitpur will now play the winner of the second qualifier for the title. Dhangadhi, on the other hand, will play the winner of the eliminator to return to the final. Pokhara Thunders and FC Chitwan will face each other in the eliminator. Kervens Belfort and Ibu Kebe scored in Lalitpur’s victory. George Prince Karki of Dhangadhi scored a consolation goal.
Lalitpur was reduced to 10 men in the 16th minute of the game. Dhangadhi defensive midfielder Mohammad Al-Jawlini had rushed to clear the air ball from Manikumar Lama’s feet. When Mani was not in any danger, he kicked it directly into the chest. After that, both players fell on each other.
However, Mohammad created drama. After Mani pretended to kick himself in the face while falling, the chief referee, Umesh Bidari, after consulting with the fourth official, Shyam Danuwar, gave him a straight red card. Mani’s leg was seen to have been injured when he fell.
However, after Mohammad fell on the field and staged a big drama, Bidari did not show any interest in the appeals made by the players, including Lalitpur captain Anant Tamang. Assistant referee Kishan Kanhaiya also did not object. Instead, Mani was sent off the field.
Mohammad, who hit Mani directly in the chest, only received a yellow card. The main referee, Bidari, and the fourth official, Danuhar, are FIFA-certified referees. Bidari received his FIFA referee’s badge this year. Danuhar has been a FIFA referee for a long time.
Lalitpur, who had already taken the lead in the game, could not improve their defense. Taking advantage of that, Dhangadhi came back into the game in the 61st minute.
Captain Devendra Tamang headed the ball from Sergio Barboza’s corner and sent it in front of Lalitpur’s post. However, Lalitpur took the lead again in the 79th minute. French forward Papa received the ball in the middle of the field. He scored with a free kick through four defenders, including Dhangadhi captain Devendra.
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