By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 05, 2025 14:42 PM • 85 views
In a clash of heavyweights, defending champions Lalitpur City FC and title hopefuls Dhangadhi FC played to a cagey 0-0 draw in the Nepal Super League (NSL) on Saturday. The result keeps both sides unbeaten but leaves questions lingering about their cutting edge in the final third.
Despite the scoreless outcome, the game was anything but uneventful at the Dasharath Stadium. Both teams created chances but lacked the clinical touch needed to break the deadlock.
Lalitpur, looking to assert their dominance early, nearly drew first blood in the ninth minute. Manikumar Lama's curling free-kick had Dhangadhi's defence scrambling, only for centre-back Kaisedo to dramatically clear the ball off the line.
Dhangadhi responded in kind seven minutes later. Ahmed Hijazi latched onto a long ball from goalkeeper Walid Biro and found himself in space, but his effort skewed wide of the far post, letting Lalitpur off the hook.
The defending champions thought they had their breakthrough in the 21st minute when Ezekiel found the back of the net, only to see his effort ruled out for offside—a decision that left the Lalitpur bench fuming.
In the final stages of the match, both sides pushed for a winner, and in injury time, it was nearly heartbreak for Dhangadhi. Once again, Lama whipped in a dangerous free kick that forced a fingertip save from Biro, preserving the stalemate.
The draw pushes Lalitpur to second place with five points from three games, while Dhangadhi sits close behind in third with four points from two. While both clubs maintain their unbeaten records, the lack of a finishing touch remains a concern—especially with the league table tightening.
It's a point apiece, but the hunt for momentum continues.
