An upset in the making : FC Chitwan vs Butwal Lumbini FC

 FC Chitwan  vs Dhangadi FC:  An upset in the making 

By Sushil Thapa, Fairfax , Va

One of the tournament favorites Dhangadhi FC  are up against undefeated FC Chitwan in the National Super League  at Dashrath stadium Saturday.

With one loss, one win and  one draw , they are in second  position behind Butwal Lumbini on goal difference  in standings. They had a golden opportunity to take the pole position in the match against Lalitpur City FC but only to squander,

Despite taking the crucial lead,they failed  to defend and had to settle  for a point.As a matter of fact, before they surged ahead, they could have trailed behind,had it not been the spot kick miss  by  Lalitpur City FC.

Also Lalitpur City had the upper hand for most part of the game. They had the lion share of attacks but were let down by poor finish.

Dhangadhi FC did survive the opponent’s relentless onslaught as the defense barely held their ground. I would add, they were fortunate to escape with a draw.

They were unable to reproduce the form that helped them beat Kathmandu Rayzrs convincingly. Clearly, they lacked consistency, spark, drive and purpose. 

By and large,the contest between the two did not rise to the level of our expectations.The game was played at a leisurely pace throughout ninety minutes of action.

For the second straight day, Dhangadi has another chance to take a leap to the top. Can they?  We will have to wait and see.

In FC Chitwan , they have a tricky and unpredictable opposition who are capable of upsetting the apple cart. Although they are second from the bottom in standings, they are one of the two undefeated teams in the  tournament so far

Undermining or underestimating the unfancied opponent would be a tactical blunder on their part.They will  have to  play  consistent, organized and constructive football to have any chance of winning.

 Apart from that, it is important that they play to their strengths and exploit opposition’s shortcomings as much as possible to their advantage.

Having to play in as many days, I will not be surprised if they struggle to keep pace with the opponent physically. There is every chance and possibility that players  are exhausted and mentally  fatigued. 

Should that be the case,Dhangadhi FC are in trouble. The coach must rotate players and use bench strength appropriately.

A determined FC Chitwan will be looking to maintain their unbeaten streak intact. They know that if they pull off  a victory over Dhangadi,they will leapfrog  Butwal Lumbini in standings.

To me, they are the dark horse of the competition.Their chances cannot be ruled out considering the brand of football they play.They play a cautious attacking  style, a  combination of attacking football and cautious defending.

They  have improved  with each game . Had it not been unconvincing  and shaky defending, they could have  easily got the better of Butwal  Lumbini.Twice they  were in front but were unable to  hold the lead to the end.

They have two  highly experienced and talented players Bharat Khawas  and Gerorge Prince Karki who have the ability to win matches for the team.

It  is very important that FC Chiwan take the field against Dhangadhi with a positive frame of mind  and high confidence.

They must not ignore the fact that in a crucial game there is no room for complacency, unforced errors  and defensive lapses. 

The defense has to learn from their mistakes and put  up a vastly improved show, and the team on the whole has to perform like a well oiled machine. 

I see  this match delicately balanced, with the outcome most likely to be decided by the slightest of the margins

Biratnagar City FC  vs Butwal Lumbini  FC:Locked in tight duel

The second match of the day featuring Butwal Lumbini FC and Biratnagar City FC  set up  an interesting and fascinating duel. 

Table topper  and undefeated Butwal Lumbini can break away from the crowded pack with a victory over the opponent.

It is easier said than done. In order to get it done, they have to play a lot harder and a lot smarter.They have to  set and control the tempo of the game  from start to finish.

Head Coach  Sanoj Shrestha must address the vulnerabilities that FC Chitwan exposed.The defense has looked shaky and far from convincing.That has to change in order for the team to make further inroads into the competition. 

The offense  did well to rescue the team from the jaws  of defeat.They have to keep playing well  to a greater degree of consistency and firepower.

For Biratnagar City, it is all  about  regaining form and control of the tournament. After an explosive start against Dhangadi  FC, their performance took  a nosedive in the second match .

Against Pokhara Thunders they played poorly, underperforming  in every department of the game.The attack was off , midfield play was  in tatters  and defense struggled as well.

Head Coach Yan Law will have to reenergize and motivate   the team to turn things around. It is crucial that they quickly regain their poise, confidence  and  fighting spirit. They must pull together and step up collectively and individually.

A team like Biratnagar  City stacked with talent  certainly can rebound and put themselves back  in the title chase.

The team that dictates offensive play wins.