Pokhara Thunders booked their spot in the second qualifier of the Nepal Super League (NSL) 2025 with an impressive 3-0 win over FC Chitwan at Dasharath Stadium on Sunday.
All three goals came in the second half, helping Pokhara Thunders avenge their earlier league-stage defeat against Chitwan. The victory now sets them up for a crucial clash against Dhangadhi FC on Wednesday, with a place in the final on the line.
Goalless First Half Ends in Frustration
The first half of the match ended in a goalless draw, with both teams struggling to break the deadlock. FC Chitwan, who had finished third in the league standings, faced a determined Pokhara side that finished fourth.
Abhishek Limbu’s Own Goal Breaks the Deadlock
Pokhara got their breakthrough in the 62nd minute, courtesy of an own goal by Chitwan’s Abhishek Limbu. A powerful shot from Pokhara’s Stephane Binong was not fully cleared by Chitwan goalkeeper Amal Knight. Samir Tamang then crossed the ball, and as captain Ayush Ghalan prepared to strike, it deflected off Limbu and into the net.
Pokhara Thunders: Joe Aidoo Strikes Twice to Seal the Win
Pokhara’s star midfielder Joe Aidoo doubled the lead in the 72nd minute. He latched onto a right-wing pass from Janmey Dhami, dribbled past Thsiring Gurung, and his deflected shot hit the crossbar and went in — leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Just four minutes later, Aidoo found the back of the net again. This time, he received a well-placed pass from Chandan Das inside the box and calmly finished with a one-touch shot to make it 3-0.
With this dominant performance, Pokhara Thunders move one step closer to the NSL 2025 title, while Chitwan’s campaign comes to an end.
