Kathmandu: FC Chitwan became the fourth and the last team to qualify for the playoffs of Nepal Super League after they fought back to register a 3-1 victory over Dhangadhi FC in the last league game of the franchise football tournament at the Dasharath Stadium, Thursday. 

Chitwan came into the match looking for at least a draw or victory to secure a place for the playoffs. Unlike them, Dhangadhi rested their key players and came with much ease having already earned a place for Playoff 1, the virtual semi-final, as they were already assured of a top two finish in the league stage along with Lalitpur City FC. 

Uzbek forward Nodirbek Mavlonov hit back the equaliser from the spot in the 14th minute to cancel Dhangadhi’s early lead taken through George Prince Karki. Jaya Gurung netted in the first half stoppage time to go into the break with a 2-1 lead before an own goal in the second half sealed their victory. 

The outcome lifted Chitwan to third position at the completion of league with 10 points pushing Kathmandu Rayzrs to fifth spot and sending them out of playoffs. Kathmandu were hoping that Chitwan lose the game and they progress to the next stage. Pokhara, already assured of playoffs, dropped one spot down to fourth on eight points. Kathmandu finished fifth on goal difference despite finishing on eight points . 

Dhangadhi with 11 points in their kitty finished second after tasting their first defeat. Lalitpur wrapped up on top with 12 points. 

Chitwan and Pokhara will now compete in the eliminator and the winner between them will vie in the Qualifier 2 for a place in the final. The losing team of the Qualifier 1 will be their opponents. 

George Prince put Dhangadhi ahead in the seventh minute with a spectacular 35-yard strike leaving Chitwan goalie Amal Knight clueless. Nodirbek restored parity for Chitwan in the 14th from penalty after Ashok Khawas handed the ball inside the area in his attempt to defend Tshiring Gurung’s strike. 

Chitwan made it 3-1 after Amrit Shrestha struck at own net in his attempt to stop a cross from Victor Mansaray five minutes into the second half.   

The top four teams at the completion of league stage make into playoffs with top two sides earning Qualifier 1 spot and the third and fourth placed team will get a chance in the eliminator match, with the winner between them making into Qualifier 2.