Kathmandu holds table-toppers Dhangadhi to 1-1 draw in NSL

KATHMANDU: Table-toppers Dhangadhi FC were held to a draw by Kathmandu Rayzrs after conceding an equalizer in the 66th minute in its sixth round of fixture of the Nepal Super League (NSL) at Dasharath Stadium on Monday.

Dhangadhi, still undefeated in the NSL, leads the league table with 12 points from six games, while Kathmandu holds the fourth position with nine points from five games.

Dhangadhi was the dominant side in the opening 20 minutes of the first half as created plenty of chances. In the 6th minute, Ashish Chaudhary delivered a superb pass to Afeez Olawale Oladipol The Nigerian controlled the pass but his howt shot was saved beautifully by Kathmandu keeper Anjal Shrestha.

Dhangadhi took the lead in the 14th minute when winger Ahmad Hijazi capitalized on a mistake by Kathmandu center-back Andres Nia. He collected the ball and calmly lobbed it above advancing Kathmandu keeper Anjal.

Kathmandu had an opportunity to equalize just two minutes later when Prashant Abasthi unleashed a powerful shot from a promising position. But his shot narrowly missed the post.

As the match progressed, Kathmandu gained confidence and mounted pressure. In the 20th minute, captain Hisub Thapaliya’s shot from the left side was saved by Dhangadhi keeper Tikendra Thapa. Shokhrukh Makhmudkhozhiev’s powerful shot in the 30th minute deflected off Dhangadhi center-back Richard Agyemang and went out.

Kathmandu continued its offensive efforts in the second half. Shokhrukh unleashed another powerful shot in the 55th minute. But Thapa punched it away and Dhangadhi captain Devendra Tamang cleared the rebound.

Dhangadhi had an opportunity to take the lead in the 61st minute. Ashish Chaudhary created a beautiful pass for Fode Fofana. But header his header was saved by Kathmandu keeper Anjal. Three minutes later, Richard Agyemang couldn’t direct his header to Kathmandu’s post after Kamal Shreshta’s free-kick found him.

Kathmandu scored the equalizer in the 66th minute when Komilzhon Tozhidinov delivered a beautiful pass into the Dhangadhi box. Kathmandu center-back Olivier Kingue rose highest to head home, with Dhangadhi keeper Tikendra rooted to his position.