Chitwan beats Birgunj United 2-1 to secure first win in NSL

KATHMANDU: FC Chitwan secured its first victory in the Nepal Super League (NSL) by defeating Birgunj United FC 2-1 at the Dasharath Stadium on Friday.

The Chitwan side, which failed to win even a single match in the first season of the NSL, earned its first three points in its third match of the second season.

Bimal Gharti Magar and Torric Jebrin scored for FC Chitwan, while Aikins Baffour found the net for Birgunj United.

The two sides sides – both winless – played the match with positive intent but lacked cutting edge in the finishing. In the 28th minute of the match, Roshan Rana Magar orchestrated a brilliant pass to set up Bimal Gharti Magar, who, in a one-on-one situation with Birgunj United’s goalkeeper Deep Karki, skillfully evaded the advancing keeper to give FC Chitwan the lead.

Although Birgunj United applied pressure after it went one goal down, it couldn’t find an equalizer in the first half. However, it leveled the score in the 55th minute. William Opoku’s corner kick found Baffour unmarked inside the box, and the Ghanaian marked his debut in the NSL, scoring from a beautiful header.

FC Chitwan regained the lead ten minutes later. Jebrin unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from 19 yards that beat Birgunj United’s keeper and flew into the top right corner.

With the victory, FC Chitwan has accumulated four points from three games, while Birgunj United remains winless.

Two matches will be played in the NSL on Saturday. Pokhara Thunders will face Jhapa FC in the first match of the day, while Dhangadhi FC will lock horns with Lalitpur City FC in the second match.