Lalitpur defeats Pokhara Thunders 3-2 in NSL

Himal Press 02 Apr 2025

Lalitpur defeats Pokhara Thunders 3-2 in NSL

Photo Courtesy: NSL

KATHMANDU: Lalitpur City FC earned its first victory in the 2025 Nepal Super League (NSL) with a thrilling 3-2 win over Pokhara Thunders at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Jonathan Cantillana scored a brace for Lalitpur City, while Imoh Ezekiel netted the team’s third goal. Samir Tamang and Joe Aidoo were on the scoresheet for Pokhara Thunders.

The match was not without drama, as play was halted for nearly six minutes in the second half due to a heated protest from Pokhara Thunders over a refereeing decision. The controversy arose when Lalitpur goalkeeper Jeffrey Baltus cleared a shot from Pokhara captain Nawayug Shrestha near the goal line. Pokhara players insisted the ball had crossed the line before Baltus’s intervention, but the referee stood firm on his decision.

Lalitpur took the lead in the 11th minute when Jonathan Cantillana’s curling corner deflected off Pokhara goalkeeper Njanga Priso into the net. Pokhara equalized in the 42nd minute when Samir Tamang capitalized on a rebound after Lalitpur keeper Jeffrey Baltus had saved Nawayug Shrestha’s header.

Pokhara’s joy was short-lived as Lalitpur City regained the lead just before halftime. Mani Lama’s clever assist found Imoh Ezekiel who coolly converted in a one-on-one with Priso to give Lalitpur a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Lalitpur scored again in the 75th minute as Cantillana connected with Sunish Shrestha’s cross to take a commanding 3-1 lead.

Pokhara got a consolation goal through Aidoo in the 10th minute of injury time.

The victory propelled Lalitpur, which played a 2-2 draw with Kathmandu Rayzrs on Saturday, to the top of the table. Pokhara is at the bottom with two losses from as many games.

Published On: 02 Apr 2025