Kathmandu: Ghanian forward Joe Aidoo struck twice for Pokhara Thunders as they edged FC Chitwan 3-0 to secure Qualifier 2 berth  in the Nepal Super League, a franchise football tournament, at the Dasharath Stadium, Tripureshwar, Sunday

Following a goalless first half, Pokhara were gifted an own goal in the 63rd minute before Joe scored twice in quick succession to end Chitwan’s playoff run. 

The outcome meant Pokhara will vie against Dhangadhi FC on Wednesday in the Qualifier, the virtual semifinal as the defending champions Lalitpur City awaits for a summit clash scheduled for Saturday. 

Pokhara managed to break the deadlock in the 63rd as Chitwan defender Abishek Limbu ended up turning the ball at his own net.  Pokhara’s Sameer Tamang found a ball parried by goalie Amal Knight and he laid a cross at the six yard box prompting Abishek to turn the ball at his own net. 

Ghanaian forward Joe doubled the advantage in the 72nd as he fired a spectacular strike from the arch of the area as the ball entered at the back of the net leaving goalie Amal clueless. 

Joe sealed the comprehensive victory four minutes later as the Ghanaian unleashed a powerful one-touch strike near from the penalty spot in an accurate pass by Chandan Das avenging their 2-0 defeat in the league rounds.