Kathmandu, December 26
Dhangadhi FC have booked a place in the final of the Nepal Super League 2023 by beating Pokhara Thunders on penalties on Monday.
In a tightly contested match between the two in Qualifier 1 of the Nepal Super League 2023, Dhangadhi narrowly edged out Pokhara 4-3 on penalties.
The game started with Pokhara Thunders taking an early lead thanks to Ayush Ghalan. Despite dominating the game, the Thunders could not score another goal as Dhangadhi’s keeper, Mohamad Taha made some good saves to keep Dhangadhi in the game who looked off pace in the first half.
The second half, however, was a different story as Dhangadhi started well scoring in the 54th minute to equalise. Despite many chances for both teams, the game ended up going to extra time.
The extra time was a cagy affair with both teams looking gassed after a frantic 90 minutes. Stephan Kojo, however, took advantage of some poor defending to give Pokhara the lead in the 103rd minute.
Things looked bleak for Dhangadhi but a last-minute goal from Ahmed Hijazi sent the game to penalties which they won 4-3.
Pokhara Thunders have another chance to reach the final if they beat the winners of the eliminator between Kathmandu Rayzrs and Lalitpur City FC.
