NSL 2025 : With 18 out of 21 league matches played in Nepal Super League (NSL) 2025, the playoff picture is getting clearer. Two teams have already secured their spot, while the race for the remaining two places is wide open.
Lalitpur City FC and Dhangadhi FC Seal Playoff Spots
Lalitpur City FC and Dhangadhi FC—last season’s finalists—have both remained unbeaten and secured their spots in the Qualifier 1. Both teams are tied with 11 points each from five games, with Dhangadhi leading on goal difference. Their league match ended in a goalless draw.
Dhangadhi qualified on Saturday, and Lalitpur’s spot was confirmed after Kathmandu Rayzrs beat FC Chitwan on Monday. Although Lalitpur didn’t play on Monday, other results worked in their favor.
Dhangadhi defeated Jhapa FC later that day to take the top spot. That win also ensured they will face Lalitpur in the Qualifier 1. Meaning, at least one of last season’s finalists will play the final again.
Both teams still have one league match left, which they’ll use as preparation before the playoffs.
Dhangadhi captain Devendra Tamang expressed his happiness after securing the top-two finish and said they’ll use the remaining time to prepare well with the coach.
NSL 2025: Kathmandu Rayzrs Stay Alive
Kathmandu Rayzrs, the first NSL champions, kept their playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over FC Chitwan in their final league game. With this win, they now have 8 points from 6 games and climbed to third place.
Their qualification now depends on other teams’ results. If Pokhara Thunders lose to Butwal Lumbini, Kathmandu will reach the playoffs. If Pokhara wins, the final position will be decided by goal difference. Both teams currently have a -1 goal difference.
Pokhara had beaten Kathmandu in their head-to-head clash, so even a one-goal win will push them ahead.
Kathmandu coach Patrick De Wilde said they now have to wait and watch other results for further celebrations.
FC Chitwan’s Playoff Fate in Their Hands
After the loss to Kathmandu, FC Chitwan dropped to fourth place with 7 points from 5 games. They now must win their final match to qualify. However, depending on other results, a draw could also be enough.
Chitwan will face Dhangadhi in their final game. If Pokhara loses to Butwal, Chitwan will have an easier route to the playoffs. If Pokhara wins, Chitwan must beat Dhangadhi.
Despite a great start with two straight wins, Chitwan failed to win any of their last three matches, collecting only 1 point from a possible 9. They were held to a late draw by Jhapa and lost to both Lalitpur and Kathmandu.
Chitwan coach Nabin Neupane said the final match against Dhangadhi will be like a do-or-die situation for them.
Pokhara Still in the Race
Pokhara Thunders will take on Butwal Lumbini on Tuesday. If they win, they’ll reach 8 points—equal to Kathmandu Rayzrs. With both having -1 goal difference, a win would give Pokhara an edge.
They would also advance due to their head-to-head win over Kathmandu. But a draw or loss will eliminate Pokhara, allowing Kathmandu to go through. A Pokhara win would also end Jhapa’s playoff hopes before their final match.
Slim Hope for Jhapa FC
After going unbeaten in their first four matches with four draws, Jhapa FC’s playoff hopes took a big hit with a loss to Dhangadhi on Friday. Now with only 4 points from 5 matches, they sit in sixth place.
Jhapa must win their final league match against Lalitpur and hope for multiple results to go their way. Butwal must beat Pokhara, and Chitwan must lose heavily to Dhangadhi.
If all that happens, Jhapa and Chitwan would be tied with 7 points. As they drew their head-to-head game, Jhapa could go through based on better goal difference.
Jhapa coach Prabesh Katuwal blamed poor finishing for the loss and admitted that their playoff chances now depend on other teams.
NSL 2025: Remaining Matches Crucial
- Tuesday: Pokhara Thunders vs Butwal Lumbini FC
- Wednesday: Jhapa FC vs Lalitpur City FC
- Thursday: FC Chitwan vs Dhangadhi FC
All three remaining matches will decide which teams fill the remaining two playoff spots. NSL 2025’s league stage is ending on a dramatic note!
