Pokhara defeats Chitwan 3-0, storms into Qualifier 2 of NSL

KATHMANDU: Pokhara Thunders advanced to Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Super League (NSL) with a commanding 3-0 victory over FC Chitwan in the Eliminator at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Although the first half ended in a goalless draw, Pokhara scored thrice in the space of 13 minutes in the second half to leave Chitwan stunned.

Pokhara took the lead from an own goal in the 63rd minute. Stephane Binong rifled a powerful shot off Ayush Ghalan’s pass. Although Chitwan keeper Amal Knight saved the shot, the ball fell into Samir Tamang’s path, and his shot deflected off Chitwan defender Abhishek Limbu and sailed into the net.

Pokhara doubled the lead in the 72nd minute when Joe Aidoo’s shot deflected off Chitwan’s Jonathan Campbell and entered the net. Three minutes later, Aidoo scored his second and Pokhara’s third by converting a pass from Chandan Kumar Das inside the box.

Chitwan missed an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 84th minute when Milan Rai failed to capitalize on the rebound after Pokhara keeper Priso had saved a powerful shot from Torric Jebrin.

Pokhara will now meet Dhangadhi FC in Qualifier 2 on Wednesday. The winner of Qualifier 2 will face Lalitpur City FC in the final scheduled for Saturday.

Defending champions Lalitpur City, which is unbeaten in the league so far, stormed into the final with a 2-1 victory over Dhangadhi FC in Qualifier 1 on Saturday.