Intriguing matchups in National Super League

 Dhangadi FC looking to rebound against Kathmandu Rayzrs

Kathmandu Rayzrs FC  got off to a winning start against Lalitpur City FC in the National Super League opener in Kathmandu played at Dasarath stadium. Now they are gearing up for the second game against Dhangadi FC Tuesday.

Head Coach Bal Gopal Maharjhan is plotting yet another victory to put his side in a commanding position in the competition. They did prevail over Lalitpur City in a close contest, but the performance was nowhere near expected. 

They struggled to keep possession of the ball, easily losing out to the opposition.There was a clear lack of cohesion between the attack line and midfielders, coupled with poor finish. 

As a result, only a few clear scoring opportunities came by. The young guns Bishwas Shrestha, Rezen Tamang and Sudil Rai must raise their performance level and play to their potential.

One player who stood out was recently capped emerging midfielder Sanjog Rai. He played well, maneuvering and marshalling moves to good effect. He is the playmaker for his team and has to continue his good form into the second match.

The defense stood on shaky grounds, looked unconvincing and were frequently caught off guard under pressure.They must improve and polish their defensive skills. A youthful defensive line led by international Tshiring Gurung will have to give a good account of themselves.

Coach Maharjhan has a superb collection of talents in his defense oriented squad who are capable of a better performance. He has to instill confidence and give them a winning motivating pep talk. One of his main strategies should be to capitalize on the opponent’s weaknesses as much as possible to their advantage.   

After underperforming against Biratnagar City FC, Dhangadhi FC look determined and confident to bounce back and put their mediocrity on the backburner. As a matter of fact, the nature of their big loss surprised many. 

Pure and simple, the star -studded outfit led by Nepal’s number one custodian Kiran Kumar Limbu fell flat.In short, they played an error riddled and sloppy football throughout and ultimately paid the price.

The lackluster and uninspiring performance by his team had Nigerian Head Coach Fuja Tope head spinning in utter disbelief. He finds himself under pressure going into the match against Kathmandu Razyr .They cannot afford two defeats in a row. Otherwise, their journey ends.

Given the depth of talent, I  had considered Dhangadhi FC one of the strong contenders for the title.They still can turn things around with a win against Kathmandu Razyr. 

For it to happen, they have to strike back with vengeance and determination.  Under the situation, they have to play attacking football from the word go to apply early pressure on the opposition and seize territorial advantage.

With   quality and experienced   players in the likes of Bishal Rai, Nishan Khadka, Darshan Gurung, Tanka Basnet and Rupesh KC, it is doable.The defense must  perform solidly and overcome the lethargic performance that   contributed to their defeat in the opener. If they find form and play constructive and productive football,I will not be surprised if they  end up registering their first victory.

Butwal Lumbini FC vs FC Chitwan:  Tricky matchup 

In tomorrow’s first match, FC Chitwan  and Butwal Lumbini FC lockhorns  in a tricky matchup.

Chitwan escaped defeat drawing 1-1 with Lalitpur City FC in their first match , while Butwal Lumbini FC  completed a surprising  2-0 win  over  Pokhara FC.  

If the latest performance is any indication, Butwal Lumbini are favorites against Chitwan. They will be looking to carry the momentum into the match.

Should they perform with the same drive,flair, aggression and  consistency, most likely,  they will emerge victorious. Foreign recruit Armand Beadoum,super player in the  last match  is likely to pose a big threat  to Chitwan. 

Former skipper of the national team Biraj Manandhar is far from finished. He proved it. His experience and defensive prowess makes him a valuable asset to the team. Upcoming Amir  Shrestha, another key player, had a big hand  in the team’s success. He is another player to watch.

It would be unfair to completely rule out Chitwan FC ‘s chances. In football nothing can be taken for granted. The draw against Lalitpur has taken their confidence level to a new height. 

They are a talented lot with a blend of  young and experienced players.  International  ace striker  Bharat Khawas  known for his goal scoring ability and agility to move around defenders  can turn out to be a game changer for his team.

Head Coach Meghraj KC must strengthen the offensive line with the inclusion of foreign recruits Goran  Jerkovic and Ahmed Mohammad Gaballa. 

Midfielders Bishwa  Adhikari and Manish Thapa have  a bigger  role to play to control proceedings in midfield. They need to improve their performance and bring in more creativity in their game.

In my estimation the game for Chitwan  will be lost and won in defense. Defenders Bikash Khawas,  Bikash Tamang and Amit Tamang are bound to get stretched . They  have to hold composure, stand out and engage in stubborn and intelligent defending.

A consecutive  second draw should  be a good result for Chitwan . If they  manage to pull an upset, I will be more than surprised.