Kathmandu, Dec. 20: Pokhara Thunders FC became the first team to reach the playoffs while Sporting Ilam Football Club inflicted first defeat to Lalitpur City FC at Nepal Super League on Tuesday.

The 1-0 victory over Butwal Lumbini FC sent Pokhara to the top of the table with 14 points. Butwal’s chance of playing playoff slimmed down as it remained in seventh position from seven matches. 

Sporting Ilam climbed to the fifth spot from bottom after defeating Lalitpur by 1-0 in the first match played at Dashrath Stadium today. Ilam now has eight points. Ilam scored the only goal of the match in the 59th minute. Fode Camara was able to steal the ball from the foot of LCFC defender Kareem Omolaja and shot the ball to the back of the net between the legs of Jeffery Baltus. 

Lalitpur was unable to capitalise on some major chances created in the 4th and 37th minutes in the first half. The second half also started with a chance for Anil Maharjan, but it was blocked. Maharjan’s other shot in the 52nd minute was also deflected outside the post.

Bikesh Kuthu, Ilam’s goalkeeper, who was adjudged the player of the match, made some quality saves to ensure three points for the team. Meanwhile, despite Lalitpur pressuring the opponent looking for a comeback, Ilam also missed some chances to extend the lead further.

In the second match of the day, the goal from Moses Gyabaah Twum in the injury time after the final 90 minutes ascended Pokhara to the top. The only goal of the match was Moses’ fourth of the season.

Moses was able to find the back of the net after taking advantage of a through pass by Ayush Ghalan in the 90+1 minute. Ghalan, who was running through the middle, passed the ball to the right side in open space for Moses to shoot.

Meanwhile, Moses was unable to score when he had a chance in the 33rd and 65th minutes. 

However, Butwal also had chances to score at least one goal. Stephane Binong’s shot was blocked inside the box by SIFC players in the fourth minute of the match. Yves Priso Njanga, Pokhara’s goalkeeper, was able to disallow a volley by Gillespye J. Karki in the eighth minute. 

Ayush Ghalan was selected as the player of the match for his continuous effort throughout the game to help his team score, lead and win. 

Nevertheless, Pokhara might not be able to stay at the top of the table for long as Dhangadhi Football Club can get a point clear to the top if it wins against Jhapa FC on Wednesday. While Dhangadhi is in the second position with 12 points in six games, Jhapa has seven points from six games and is in the sixth position.