Pokhara stun Dhangadhi to march into NSL final

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 24: Dhangadhi FC battled Pokhara Thunders FC in Qualifier 2 of the Nepal Super League 2025 at Dashrath Stadium on Wednesday, aiming for their third final.  

Meanwhile, Pokhara was chasing history, looking to reach their first-ever final in the franchise league.  

It was Pokhara who clinched their place in the title clash against Lalitpur City FC on Saturday. Stephen Binong turned hero, netting a dramatic winner in stoppage time (90+5 minutes) to send Pokhara fans into a frenzy.  

The match sprang to life in the dying minutes as Binong’s powerful header from Ayush Ghalan’s curling corner found the back of Dhangadhi’s net.  

Both teams struggled to break the deadlock, with very few clear-cut chances on goal.  

Dhangadhi was expected to take control after Pokhara went down to 10 men in the 85th minute. However, Pokhara stunned them, defying the odds to book their first-ever NSL final.  

It was déjà vu for Dhangadhi—they had also squandered a numerical advantage in Qualifier 1 against Lalitpur.  

Pokhara were down to 10 men in the 85th minute after Gaurab Shrestha picked up his second yellow card.  

After falling to Lalitpur in Qualifier 1, Dhangadhi found themselves facing Pokhara, who had edged past FC Chitwan in the eliminator.  

Meanwhile, Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos, who arrived in Kathmandu to witness the NSL, wowed the crowd with a free-kick drill during halftime.  

The iconic left-back stepped onto the pitch, waved to the fans, and put on a show, showcasing his signature free-kick technique against defending champions Lalitpur City FC's goalkeeper, Sumit Shrestha.