Dhangadhi defeats Pokhara in tiebreaker, books spot in NSL final

KATHMANDU: Dhangadhi FC secured a spot in the Nepal Super League (NSL) final by defeating Pokhara Thunders 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout in the 1st Qualifier at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Monday.

The match proceeded to a tiebreaker after the 90 minutes of regulation time and an additional 30 minutes of extra time failed to separate the two sides. Although Pokhara Thunders took the lead twice during the game, it failed to make it count on both occasions. In the fifth minute of the match, Pokhara Thunders gained the lead as Moses Gyahaah Twum controlled Stephen Annor’s cross and delivered a precise ball to Ayush Ghalan, who skillfully scored past Dhangadhi’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Taha.

Dhangadhi FC equalized in the 54th minute. Abhishek Gurung provided a short pass to Kamal Shrestha from the corner. Shrestha skilfully lofted the ball into the six-yard box, where Dhangadhi captain Devendra Tamang raced ahead of Pokhara defenders and headed past Pokhara keeper Yves Preso.

Both teams had opportunities to secure a win within the regulation 90 minutes, but they were unable to find the back of the net.

In the 13th minute of extra time, Pokhara Thunders once again took the lead. After Dhangadhi keeper Taha saved Dinesh Rajbanshi’s shot from Surajjeu Thakuri’s cross, Franklin Talla seized the rebound and headed the ball toward the post. Stephen Connor gave the final touch to the ball as it slid into the post.

Dhangadhi FC managed to equalize in the final minute of extra time when Hijaji seized on Talla’s poor clearance and fired a powerful shot at the post. Although his shot hit Pokahra’s defender and rebounded, his second attempt found the back of Dhangadhi’s net.

With Pokhara trailing Dhangadhi 4-3 in the tiebreaker, Pokhara’s Ayush Ghalan had the chance to extend the match to sudden death. However, his poorly executed Panenka shot was easily saved by Dhangadhi’s goalkeeper, Taha.