Kathmandu: Dhangadhi FC secured place in the Qualifier 1 of Nepal Super League playoffs cementing their position at least on top two spots after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Jhapa FC at Dasharath Stadium on Monday. 

An own goal from Dipesh Dhimal became sufficient for Dhangadhi to secure their third victory and maintain unbeaten streak. 

With the win, Dhangadhi surged on top of the table replacing Lalitpur City FC with both teams earning 11 points from five games. But Dhangadhi occupy top spot due to goals superiority. 

Dhangadhi and Lalitpur both are already assured of top two spots and will vie in the Qualifier 1, the virtual semi-final. Both teams are yet to play their last league games which will determine the table toppers.  

Jhapa, who have played draws in all four previous games, have four points from five games with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Not only victory over Lalitpur in their last league match will be sufficient for their passage to playoffs, but they hope that FC Chitwan and Pokhara Thunders lose their last games.   

Jhapa’s first real attempt came in the 31st minute forcing goalie Walid Birrou for a one-hand diving save to deny Serbian forward Arsic Lazar’s 25-yard strike. Alhaji Gero squandered a scoring opportunity for Jhapa in the first half stoppage time as he ended up heading inches above the bar in Abinash Syangtan cross.  

Dhangadhi took the lead in the 61st minute after Jhapa defender Dipesh directed the ball at his own post in his bid to stop Ahmad Hijaji who controlled Sergio Barboza cross inside the six-yard box. 

Jhapa piled consistent pressure after conceding the goal. Dipesh tapped inches wide in the 68th when he found captain Laken’s freekick inside the six-yard box. Jhapa thought that they had levelled the scores in the 88th as substitute Prabin Khulal’s chip over goalie Walid rebounded off the bar.   

Jhapa again threatened in the third minute of stoppage time when Aron Thapa applied a powerful low strike in a short pass set by Gero before goalie Walid came to the rescue with a quick  dive to thwart the ball. Prabin found the ball at close range but ended up with a feeble attempt allowing Wialid to save it. 

Pokhara Thunders will vie against Butwal Lumbini on Tuesday.