Dhangadhi defeats Butwal Lumbini 1-0 to go top of NSL

KATHMANDU: Substitute Afeez Olawale scored in injury time to help Dhangadhi FC defeat Butwal Lumbini FC 1-0 in the Nepal Super League (NSL) at the Dasharath Stadium on Thursday.

The second win in as many games propelled Dhangadhi FC to the top of the league table.

The Sudurpashchim Province side had defeated Birgunj United 2-1 in its first NSL match.

Butwal Lumbini, which suffered a 0-2 defeat against Lalitpur City FC in its first match of the league, is languishing at the bottom of the table with zero points after two games.

Butwal Lumbini made the first serious move of the evening. Dhangadhi keeper Mohammad Thaha saved Mani Lama’s shot in the 19th minute. A few minutes later, Taha also saved Arik Bista’s free-kick.

Dhangadhi had the opportunity to take the lead in the 25th minute. However, Butwal Lumbini’s keeper, Mohamodou Moussi, saved Ahmad Hijazi’s shot from Aashish Chaudhary’s pass.

Dhangadhi keeper Taha saved Gillespi Jung Karki’s header from a corner in the 36th minute. Dhangadhi took control of the rebound and launched a counter-attack on Butwal Lumbini’s post. However, Abhishek Gurung headed wide from inside the box.

Taha also saved a beautiful shot from Butwal Lumbini’s Stephane Binong in the closing minutes of the first half.

Both sides made beautiful moves in the second half but failed to find the back of the net. Butwal Lumbini had the opportunity to secure all three points in the closing minutes of the second half. However, Arik Bita’s shot was saved by Dhangadhi keeper Taha, while Ashish Chaudhary’s shot on the rebound went wide of the post.

In the injury time of the second half, Azeez Olawale controlled Hijazi’s pass and scored from a low shot past Butwal Lumbini’s keeper to ensure that his side secured all three points.

Birgunj United will play against FC Chitwan in the NSL on Friday.