Dhangadhi beat Pokhara in penalty, advance to NSL final

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 26: Dhangadhi FC prevailed over Pokhara Thunders 4-3 in the penalty shootout in the thrilling Qualifier 1 at Dashrath Stadium on Monday to advance into the final of the Nepal Super League. 

Dhangadhi bounced back twice to level the score the equalizer in the regular 90-minute and extra time to force the match into a penalty shootout. 

Pokhara squandered the early lead provided by Ayush Ghalan to concede an equalizer in the second half from Dhangadhi captain Devendra Tamang. As the regulation time ended in a 1-1 tie, the extra 30 minutes was added. 

Pokhara regained their lead in the extra time too with Franklin Kuete Talla finding the net.  But Dhangadhi again managed to level the score line from Ahmad Hijaji and took the match into a penalty.

The heroics from Goalkeeper Mohamad Taha in the penalty shootout sent Dhangadhi to the final for the second season in a row.  Taha saved the spot kick of Moses Gyabaah and Ayush Ghalan. Pokhara’s keeper Priso warded off the kick of Hijaji. 

After both teams tied 1-1 in the scheduled 90 minutes, the match was extended to 30 minutes of extra time.

In the first half, Pokhara took the lead in the game. However, from the beginning of the second half, Dhangadhi's relentless attack paid off, ultimately resulting in an equalizer.

In the third minute of the game, Mohammad Taha, the goalkeeper of Dhangadhi, saved Franklin Talla's header after Pokhara's Suraj Jiu Thakuri's corner was cleared. 

In the fifth minute, Pokhara managed to take the lead. Stephan Annor's long pass was met by Moses Twum on the left flank, and he crossed it for Dipesh Ale Magar, who deflected the ball in front of Ayush. Ayush made no mistakes and scored, giving Pokhara the lead.

Dhangadhi captain Devendra Tamang levelled the tally in the 54th minute.  

Ahmed Hijaji's shot from the edge of the box was saved by Pokhara keeper Priso for a corner. Dhangadhi scored the equalizer in that resulting corner. Kamal Shrestha crossed the corner ball off Abhishek Gurung to Devendra, who dived to head the equalizer. 

As no goal was possible from both the teams in the remaining time of regulation time, the match went to the extra 30 minutes. 

Pokhara regained the lead in the 103 minute through Franklin Kuete Talla. After Dinesh Rajbanshi's two shots on Suraj Jiu Thakuri's cross were saved by Dhangadhi goalkeeper Taha, Talla headed the rebound towards the post which was finally turned into a goal by Stefan Annor ‘s head.

Hijaji scored in the last minute (120) of the extra time to push the game to the penalty shootout. He scored a goal in his second attempt after his first shot was blocked by captain Dinesh. In the resulting rebound, Lebanese Hijaji made no mistake sending the ball between the two sticks.

Defending Champions Kathmandu Rayzrs and Lalitpur City FC will meet each other in the eliminator round on Tuesday looking at their meeting with Pokhara Thunders at the Qualifier 2. The winner of the Qualifier 2 will fix the final date with Dhangadhi on Saturday.