By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 20, 2025 14:53 PM • 130 views
A second-half blitz, led by Jo Aydu's brilliance, propelled Pokhara Thunders to a commanding 3-0 win over FC Chitwan in the Nepal Super League (NSL) eliminator round Sunday at Dasharath Stadium.
With a place in the second qualifier on the line, Pokhara stepped up when it mattered most, scoring all three goals after the break to end Chitwan's playoff run and keep their own title hopes alive.
Aydu, the standout of the match, netted twice in quick succession while also applying the pressure that led to an own goal by Chitwan's Abhishek Limbu in the 63rd minute — a moment that opened the floodgates.
Once the deadlock was broken, Pokhara never looked back. Aydu added the second goal in the 72nd minute with a composed finish before sealing the result three minutes later with his second, capping off a dominant display.
The win not only books Pokhara's place in the second qualifier against Dhangadhi FC — who narrowly lost 2-1 to Lalitpur City FC in the first qualifier — but also serves as sweet revenge. Earlier in the season, Chitwan had handed Pokhara a 2-0 defeat in the league stage.
For Pokhara, who finished fourth in the regular season standings, it was a statement victory over third-placed Chitwan — and a timely reminder of their growing form at the business end of the tournament.
The stakes will only rise from here, with Pokhara now one win away from reaching the NSL final. Standing in their way: a Dhangadhi side with a point to prove.
