Lalitpur City FC Edges Pokhara Thunders in NSL Thriller, Controversy Erupts
Tripureshwor, Dasharath Stadium - In a pulsating contest that delivered drama and controversy in equal measure, Lalitpur City FC secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Pokhara Thunders in a riveting Nepal Super League (NSL) Season 3 clash. The win catapults Lalitpur to the table's summit, boasting four points from two outings, while Pokhara languishes at the bottom, still searching for their first points. The match, played under the lights at the iconic Dasharath Stadium, was a rollercoaster of emotions, punctuated by a six-minute stoppage stemming from a contentious refereeing decision. In the 81st minute, Pokhara captain Nawayug Shrestha's cross led to a frantic goal-line clearance by Lalitpur's custodian, Jeffrey Baltus. Pokhara vehemently protested, claiming the ball had crossed the line before Baltus' intervention, igniting a heated debate that temporarily halted proceedings. On the scoresheet, Jonathan Cantilena emerged as Lalitpur's hero, netting a brace, while Emo Ezekiel added another crucial goal. Samir Tamang and Joe Ayedu found the net for Pokhara, but their efforts proved insufficient.  Lalitpur drew first blood in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a set-piece situation. Cantilana's corner kick, misjudged by Pokhara's goalkeeper Prisco Njanga, deflected off his foot and rolled into the net. Pokhara, however, responded strongly, levelling the score in the 42nd minute. After Baltus denied Nawayug Shrestha's header from Ayush Ghalan's cross, Samir Tamang pounced on the rebound, slotting home at the far post. Just before the halftime whistle, Ezekiel restored Lalitpur's lead, latching onto a pinpoint lofted pass from Cantilana. Ezekiel's clinical low drive evaded Pokhara defender William Biasi and beat Njanga at the near post. Cantilana extended Lalitpur's advantage in the 75th minute, converting a well-executed cutback from Sanis Shrestha. The tension escalated in the closing stages following Pokhara's disallowed goal. In injury time, Ayedu pulled one back for Pokhara, capitalizing on Samir's cutback from the right and delivering a well-placed shot. However, it was too late, as Lalitpur held on for the dramatic victory. The match leaves Pokhara searching for answers while Lalitpur City FC basks in a hard-earned victory and a top-four spot in the NSL standings.
