Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: William Opoku scored the decisive goal in injury time to give Birgunj United its first victory in the Nepal Super League (NSL). Birgunj earned a 2-1 comeback victory against Sporting Ilam de Mechi in the match held at Dasharath Rangashala on Wednesday.
With the win, Birgunj, which was at the bottom, has risen to the seventh position in the points table. Birgunj has collected five points from five matches. With the defeat, Ilam has dropped to the bottom of the table, having only 4 points from 6 games. The loss has made Ilam’s chances of finishing in the top four very slim.
Ilam took the lead through Ashish Chapagain’s goal in the 15th minute of the game. Ashish got the ball after Birganj keeper Gustavo Djadje failed to control Suraj Basnet’s pass and slid the ball into the net with a powerful shot from the right side of the post.
Ilam had the opportunity to double the lead five minutes later, but Omar Thiom’s volley went over the bar.
Bhison Gurung equalized for Birgunj in the 33rd minute. Gurung controlled Sushil Lama’s pass and scored past Ilam goalkeeper Bikesh Kuthu from the penalty box.
Both teams failed to create any good opportunities in the second half. Ilam had an opportunity to regain the lead in the 85th minute when Fode Camara created a beautiful pass for Ashish Chapagain. But the forward couldn’t direct his shot to the post.
Birgunj was awarded a controversial penalty in injury time. Ilam protested vehemently, with keeper Bikesh Kuthu even refusing to keep the goal. He later took the position, but William Opoku didn’t make any mistake to give his side all three points.
After the final whistle, Ilam players confronted the referee. Its keeper and captain even manhandled the referee who swiftly red-carded him.
