FC Chitwan secures spot in NSL playoff with 3-1 win over Dhangahi

KATHMANDU: FC Chitwan secured its first-ever Nepal Super League (NSL) playoff berth with a 3-1 comeback victory over Dhangadhi FC in its final league-stage match at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Thursday.

With the win, Chitwan finished third on the NSL table with 10 points from six matches. It needed at least a point from this fixture to make it to the playoffs.

Despite the loss, the only in the league so far, Dhangadhi is second on the table with 11 points from six matches.

Chitwan’s win pushed Kathmandu Rayzrs out of the playoffs, and Pokhara Thunders to fourth on the table.

George Prince Karki gave Dhangadhi the lead in the seventh minute through a stunning long-range shot.

Nodir Mavlonov equalised for Chitwan from the spot in the 14th minute. Chitwan was awarded the penalty after the referee ruled that Dhangadhi defender Ashok Khawas handled the ball inside the box.

Jay Gurung put Chitwan 2-1 up in stoppage time of the first half when he directed Chhiring Gurung’s cross into the net.

An own goal from Dhangadhi’s Amrit Shrestha in the 54th minute ruled out any chance of Dhangadhi’s comeback in the game.

Dhangadhi will meet Lalitpur City FC in the first Qualifier on Saturday, while FC Chitwan will face Pokhara Thunders in the Eliminator on Sunday. The winner of the Eliminator will meet the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 on April 23 to secure a spot in the final scheduled for April 26.