Himal Press 
Photo Courtesy: NSL
KATHMANDU: Last season’s first runners-up, Dhangadhi FC, kicked off its 2025 Nepal Super League (NSL) campaign with a commanding 4-1 victory over Butwal Lumbini FC at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
Dhangadhi scored three goals in the second half, including two in injury time, after the first half ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Ahmad Hijazi scored a brace for Dhangadhi, while Kritish Ratna Chhunju and Sergio Barboza Junior added a goal each. Japanese striker Kenta Hara scored the lone goal for Butwal Lumbini FC, which had played a goalless draw against Jhapa FC in its first match of the league.
Dhangadhi took an early lead in the sixth minute. Ahmad Hijazi converted an acrobatic shot off a flicked header from George Prince Karki. In the 10th minute, Dhangadhi’s Kritish Ratna Chhunju’s powerful shot from close range narrowly missed the post. Dhangadhi squandered a golden opportunity in the 27th minute when Hijazi’s strike, off George Prince’s pass, hit the post.
Kenta Hara equalised for Butwal Lumbini from close range, scoring with a brilliant backheel touch off Manish Dangi’s corner.
Dhangadhi started the second half with attacking intent. Hijazi’s header struck the crossbar in the 50th minute. Butwal Lumbini’s Manish Sendhai also hit the crossbar in the 73rd minute. Chhunju scored a brilliant solo goal to give Dhangadhi a 2-1 lead in the 75th minute. He dribbled past three defenders and goalkeeper Deep Karki to put his side 2-1 up.
In the fifth minute of injury time, Hijazi capitalised on a long cross from Mohammad El Jaaouani and scored from the tightest of angles, leaving Butwal Lumbini keeper Karki stunned. Substitute Sergio Barboza struck another for Dhangadhi, compounding woes for Butwal Lumbini.
