Kathmandu: Kathmandu Rayzrs FC wrapped up the league stage of Nepal Super League with a 2-0 victory over FC Chitwan on Monday with their playoff hopes hanging in balance in the third edition of Nepal Super League, a franchise football tournament, at the Dasharath Stadium. 

Senegalese players Bakary Mane and Amadou Diop scored in either side of the half time for Kathmandu, the champions of first edition.   

Kathmandu, with eight points in the table, moved to third position after playing all six games. They are not assured of the playoffs but they could still finish in the top four positions depending upon the outcome of other matches. Only the top four teams in the seven team contest progress into the playoffs. 

Chitwan with two defeats, two wins and a draw are fourth on seven points and are still in contention for playoffs. The outcome also assured leaders Lalitpur City, already assured of playoffs, a place for Qualifier 1. They have 11 points from six games.  

Chitwan came up with a couple of early threats as forward Yusif Malik forced goalie Cheikh Gueye with a quick dive in the 16th minute to deny his low strike from the area fed by Victor Mansaray. Gillespye Jung Karki replied for Kathmandu in the 22nd with a low strike but he ended up firing inches wide.

Kathmandu came closer to scoring three minutes into second half when Amadou beat advancing goalie Amal Knight but rolled at the unattended post before Abishek Limbu defended it. 

Chitwan were limited to 10-man after Yusif was shown second yellow following a heated exchange with Alijon Alijonov. Both of them flashed yellow. Amadou sealed the victory for Kathmandu in the 71st with second goal after he found Rohan Karki’s pass following a deflection on a defender. It was his fourth goal of the campaign.