Pokhara eliminate Chitwan, fix Qualifier 2 date with Dhangadhi

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 21: Pokhara Thunders FC hammered FC Chitwan 3-0 in the eliminator to book their place in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Super League (NSL) 2025.

Joe Aidou bagged a brace, while an own goal from Chitwan's Abhishek Limbu gifted Pokhara a crucial lead. The match, held at Dasarath Stadium on Sunday, saw Pokhara dominate the second half after a goalless first half.

Pokhara broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Limbu inadvertently turned the ball into his own net. Aidou doubled the lead in the 71st minute with a clinical finish and sealed the victory in the 76th minute with another strike. 

Aidou now has three goals this season, placing him third on the top scorer's chart. Ahmad Hijazi leads with five goals, while Amadou Diop of Kathmandu Rayzrs FC sits second with four.

Pokhara holds an edge over Chitwan in their previous encounters, winning two out of their last three meetings. Chitwan had won one match against Pokhara.

Pokhara advanced to the playoffs by finishing fourth on the NSL table with eight points, edging Kathmandu Rayzrs FC on goal difference. Meanwhile, Chitwan secured third place with 10 points.

Pokhara will face Dhangadhi FC in Qualifier 2 for a spot in the final on Wednesday. Dhangadhi, two-time runners-up, lost their Qualifier 1 match 2-1 against defending champions Lalitpur City FC on Saturday.

In a heated match with three red cards, Lalitpur's foreign stars, Carvens Balfour and Papa Ibo Kebe, scored in the 57th and 79th minutes, respectively. George Prince Karki netted a consolation goal for Dhangadhi in the 61st minute. Despite being reduced to 10 players in the 16th minute, Lalitpur held on for the win.

Mani Kumar Lama of Lalitpur received a straight red card for clashing with Dhangadhi's Mohammad Al Zaouni during a tussle for the ball. However, Dhangadhi failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage. Lalitpur are now one step away from defending their NSL title, having reached the final for the second consecutive time.