Kathmandu: Pokhara Thunders became the third team to secure a playoff berth in the Nepal Super League after a 2-0 victory over already eliminated Butwal Lumbini FC at Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu, Tuesday. 

The second victory in the franchise football tournament sealed a playoff spot for Pokhara with eight points, confirming their position either as third or fourth place finishers in the league stage. Only the top four teams make it to playoffs in the seven team contest with Dhangadhi FC and Lalitpur City FC already earning a place in Qualifier 1 by virtue of top two finishers in the league stage. 

Nepal international Ayush Ghalan and Biassi Nyake scored at either side of the halftime to give a much needed victory for Pokhara against bottom placed Butwal Lumbini, who bowed out without testing a win with just one point after six games.  

The outcome also eliminated Jhapa FC, with a match in hand, out of playoff contention as the top four teams progressed to the second round. Jhapa are sixth in the standings with four points. 

Ayush made Pokhara’s intent clear with a goal as early as in the 10th minute after he was allowed a free header from a close range to convert Samir Tamang’s cross.  Samir squandered scoring opportunity in the 23rd as he ended up with a feeble shot with only the glovesman Deep Karki as his obstacle but the shot stopper easily caught his rolling shot. 

Butwal Lumbini goaile Deep rescued them yet again in the 29th as he reacted quickly to punch skipper Nawayug Shrestha’s header in a through pass of Joe Aidoo. Ghanaian Joe’s 20-yard  scorcher in the 58th was spectacularly denied by a flying Deep. 

Pokhara’s dominance was rewarded in the 59th through Cameroonian William Biassai as he was allowed a free header to convert captain Nawayug’s freekick.