Kathmandu: Jhapa FC settled for a goalless draw against a 10-man Butwal Lumbini FC in their first match of the Nepal Super League, a franchise football tournament, at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar, Sunday. 

Jhapa failed to convert their numerical advantage despite Lumbini playing with a man down for the last 20 minutes after captain Arik Bista was sent off for second yellow. 

It was the second draw of the tournament following a 2-2 draw between defending champions Lalitpur City FC and Kathmandu Rayzrs FC in the curtain raiser on Saturday. 

Jhapa looked a better side from the onset and put their opponents on the back foot but they failed to get on the scoresheet. Jhapa tested Lumbini goalie Deep Karki in the eighth minute as Alhaji Gero applied a low scorcher  from close range in Ritik Khadka pass but the shot-stopper responded quickly to deny him. 

Goalkeeper Deep again denied Uzbek forward Isaev Muhammad in the 14th with a diving save to deny his 25-yard scorcher. He again denied a powerful strike from Arsic Lazar from the edge of the area with a long stretch dive. Deep again punched Azamat Abdullaev’s header to safety from the crowded zone in the resulting corner. 

Butwal produced their first threatening move through forward Philipa Adjah with a powerful low drive forcing goalie Nemanja Lemajic for a quick diving save. 

But were reduced to a man-down in the 70th as captain Arik was booked with a second yellow by referee Nabindra Maharja for a challenge to Muhammad. 

FC Chitwan will vie against Pokhara Thunders in their next first game of the tournament on Monday. 

Action from the match between Jhapa FC and Butwal Lumbini FC. Photo Courtesy: NSL