Pokhara’s first final, Lalitpur’s title defense-Who will reign supreme at NSL?

By Pramod Joshi,Kathmandu, Apr. 26: The winner of the third Nepal Super League (NSL), the country’s only franchise football tournament, will be decided on Saturday. Defending champions Lalitpur City FC will face Pokhara Thunders in the final at Dasarath Stadium.

Both teams are chasing history. Lalitpur aims to secure back-to-back titles. Pokhara, playing in their first NSL final, is eager to lift their maiden trophy. 

The champions will take home Rs. 8 million, while the runners-up will settle for Rs. 3 million. The prize money has increased by Rs. 1 million compared to the last edition.

Lalitpur’s head coach, Simon Grayson, is confident about retaining the title. He said his team benefited from nearly a week of rest. "My boys got six days off after winning Qualifier 1. That helped us reset. We had enough time to prepare," he said at the pre-match conference on Friday.

"We have prepared well. We are confident and relaxed. We are physically and mentally ready. Hopefully, we will defend our title."

Lalitpur wants to remain unbeaten in the NSL. They topped the league table with 12 points, winning three matches and drawing three. Despite going down to ten men, they edged Dhangadhi 2-1 in Qualifier 1.

In that match, midfielder Mani Lama and defender Papa Abdoulaye Diakite received red cards. However, after an appeal, the NSL Organising Committee revoked Lama’s suspension. "He is one of our best players," said Grayson. "His red card being overturned was a huge relief for us."

"We are heading into the final to clinch the title. Our opponents have kept a clean sheet in their last three games. We hope to dominate tomorrow and break their streak."

Captain Ananta Tamang echoed his coach’s thoughts. He said the six-day rest helped them work on their weaknesses. Under his leadership, Lalitpur won the last edition. "Teamwork is the key to victory," he said.

"The final will be tough. Our opponents have improved match by match. It won’t be easy against Pokhara. They are a strong team. However, we know their strengths and weaknesses."

Pokhara’s head coach, Suman Shrestha, said his players are excited to reach the final. "We have great team spirit. After a rocky start, we have improved day by day. The players are confident. Tomorrow is the time to show the results of our six weeks of hard work."

Pokhara finished level on points with former champions Kathmandu Rayzers, both securing eight points. They edged Kathmandu on goal difference to grab fourth place and secure a playoff berth.

Pokhara dominated FC Chitwan 3-0 in the eliminator and edged Dhangadhi 1-0 in Qualifier 2 to book their place in the final.

Pokhara Thunders have proven themselves as title contenders, going unbeaten in their last six matches. Despite losing their first two games, they have shown remarkable resilience.

Coach Shrestha believes that if their strategy works, Pokhara will win the title. "The final won’t be easy. We are serious and focused. Tomorrow’s match will be entertaining."

Pokhara’s captain, Nawayug Shrestha, said his team is ready to fight for the title. "Tomorrow’s match against Lalitpur will be tough. Since the start, we have prepared with the title in mind."

Both teams defeated two-time runners-up Dhangadhi FC in the qualifiers. Interestingly, both played with ten men when securing their victories.

Pokhara’s journey mirrors Lalitpur’s run in the previous edition. Lalitpur finished fourth in the league before going on to win the title. Pokhara hopes to follow in their footsteps and dethrone them to claim their maiden championship.

In the last edition, Pokhara topped the league table to secure a playoff spot. However, their campaign ended in Qualifier 2, where they were knocked out by Lalitpur.

Lalitpur and Pokhara have faced off four times in NSL history. The defending champions have won twice and drawn twice against Pokhara.