Kathmandu: Defending champions Lalitpur City FC became the first team to secure playoff spot in the Nepal Super League after a 2-0 victory over Butwal Lumbini FC sending the bottom placed opponents out of playoff race at the Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwar, Saturday. 

A goal each from Nepali international defender Ananta Tamang and Santosh Khatri in either half sealed the victory as Lalitpur climbed on top of the standings of the franchise football tournament. 

Lalitpur moved three points clear atop the table with 11 points from five games to seal playoff berth in the tournament. Bottom placed Butwal Lumbini became first time to be eliminated from the playoff race in the seven-team competition that sends top four teams into playoffs. Lalitpur, with a match yet to play before the league round wraps up, have earned just one point after the fifth game. They have lost four and drawn one.

 Lalitpur made their intent clear coming with an offensive approach from the onset and struck the woodwork twice in the eighth minute. Senegalese forward Papa Ihou Bebe’s acrobatic attempt from close range rebounded off the bar in Sanish Shrestha pass and Santosh Khatri also ended up firing at the bar from the area. 

In the 14th, Nigerian forward Imoh Ezekiel’s close range strike in Paha Ihou’s pass landed at goalie Deep Karki who punched it out. Lalitpur’s constant pressure was rewarded in the 23rd after an unmarked captain Ananta Tamang headed to turn in Mani Lama’s corner inside the post. 

Butwal’s first threatening move came in the 31st minute when Kenta Hara’s header in a long pass by Nathan Mavila struck on the woodwork before goalie Samit Shrestha grabbed the ball. Kenta’s goal for Butwal Lumbini was ruled as offside in the 45th. Ezekiel missed scoring chance after he ended up firing far wide despite beating Butwal Lumbini goalie Deep. 

Santosh Khatri sealed the victory two minutes from time applying a low strike exactly from the arch of the area after he found a pass from Imoh Ezekiel.