FC Chitwan kicks off NSL-3 with a 2-0 win

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aprl.1: FC Chitwan secured a winning start to the third season of the Nepal Super League (NSL) by defeating Pokhara Thunders 2-0 at Dasarath Stadium on Monday.

Nodirbek Mavlonov and substitute Niraj Chaudhary each found the back of the net, handing Chitwan the first victory of NSL-3. 

The previous two matches of the league ended in draws. Lalitpur City FC and Kathmandu Rayzers played a 2-2 draw in the opening game, while Jhapa FC and Butwal Lumbini FC settled for a goalless stalemate in the second.

Chitwan took an early lead in the 14th minute. Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Mavlonov struck a powerful right-footed shot from just outside the box, capitalizing on a cut-back pass from forward Victor Mansaray. 

Sishir Lekhi let the ball pass through, setting up the perfect chance for Mavlonov. Pokhara's goalkeeper, Guillaume Yves Priso, dived but couldn’t stop the well-placed shot.

Pokhara struggled to convert chances in the early first half. Joe Aidoo’s free kick was deflected off a Chitwan player, and Michael Chukwubunna’s diving header missed the target. Nawayug Shrestha’s long-range effort went straight into the gloves of Chitwan's keeper, Amal Knight.

In the 31st minute, Chitwan almost doubled their lead, but Priso blocked a powerful attempt from Shishir. 

Early in the second half, Victor Mansaray's header and Torric Jebrin's free kick both missed the mark. 

Pokhara's Joe Aidoo’s 36-yard shot also narrowly sailed over the bar.Pokhara nearly leveled in the 57th minute, but Stephen Binong’s attempt from Samir Tamang’s long ball missed the frame. 

Chitwan had another chance to extend their lead in the 60th minute, but Victor’s close-range shot was saved by Priso. Victor missed again in the 86th minute, with his shot going over the bar from just outside the six-yard box.

Finally, in the 90+5th minute, Niraj, who replaced Sumit Shrestha four minutes before in the stoppage time, sealed the victory for Chitwan. He netted a one-touch goal from Victor's pass on the counterattack.

Last season, Pokhara defeated Chitwan by a single goal and went on to top the table, advancing to the playoffs. Chitwan, however, finished seventh in the second season of NSL.

The match on Monday started 18 minutes late due to reported issues with foreign players' work permits. Both teams fielded five foreign players.

Butwal Lumbini will be aiming for their first win when they face Dhangadhi FC in their second match on Tuesday.