LH-MMC Coach Nabin Neupane: ‘Defensive lapses cost us the match’

Coach Nabin Neupane pointed out that the defensive errors cost them the match and bid early goodbye to the tournament.

LH-MMC Coach Nabin Neupane: ‘Defensive lapses cost us the match’

Jhapa XI beat the league champions Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club by 2-1 in first match of ANFA Knockout Football Tournament 2071. Bishal Rai ‘A’, who plays for Machhindra FC scored a brace for Jhapa outfit while Dipak Rai scored an equaliser for LH-MMC.

Click Here to see how Bishal Rai ‘A’ scored.

‘We took this tournament as preparation for AFC Presidents Cup but we could not stay longer in it due to the defensive errors in this match cost us the match. We can carry on by correcting the mistakes from the game and still do well in President’s Cup.’

Coach Neupane also informed that Skipper Sagar Thapa will not be with the team for Presidents Cup due to his commitments in Asian Games with U-23 team. He also told that MMC are trying to sign a foreign defender but the visa processing is taking long time and they are awaiting the confirmation.

Anil Gurung was substituted early in the first half and the coach clarified that there is nothing serious injury but just a minor fitness issue which led him for precautionary substitution. Anil Gurung is expected to lead the side in Presidents Cup as he did before arrival of Sagar Thapa last season.