Kathmandu scores two late goals to defeat Pokhara in NSL

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Rayzrs scored two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory over the Pokhara Thunders in the Nepal Super League (NSL) at Dasharath Stadium on Monday.

Pokhara was on the verge of claiming all three points following Ayush Ghalan’s strike in the 59th minute. However, Kathmandu equalized in the 83rd minute and secured the winner in the 94th minute, leaving Pokhara in a state of disbelief.

With this triumph, Kathmandu climbed to third place in the league with eight points from five games, while Pokhara dropped to fourth place with as many points from five games.

Pokhara dominated the first half and created as many as four chances. Suraj Jeu Thakuri provided a beautiful pass to Franklin Kuete Talla in the 12th minute, but the Cameroonian’s header went wide. Moses Twum’s powerful shot in the 14th minute deflected off Kathmandu captain Anjan Rai and went wide.

Kathmandu got its first chance in the 29th minute. However, Pokhara keeper Yves Preso saved Shokhrukh Makhmudkhozhiev’s powerful freekick.

Pokhara continued to apply pressure in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Ayush Ghalan scored from a rebound after Kathmandu keeper Anjal Shrestha could only punch away Stephen Kojo’s powerful shot from 25 yards.

Kathmandu had a chance to equalize five minutes later when Shokhrukh created an opportunity for Junio Onguene, but his header hit the post.

The equalizer came in the 83rd minute when Onguene’s weak shot from outside the box hit the right post and slid in. The reigning champions secured the winner in the fourth minute of injury time when Komilzhon Tozhidinov’s long pass found Shokhrukh, who skillfully controlled the ball and lobbed it over the advancing Pokhara keeper.

Butwal Lumbini will face Jhapa FC in the NSL on Tuesday.