Hijazi’s hat-trick inspires Dhangadhi FC to top of NSL league table

KATHMANDU: Dhangadhi FC climbed to the top of the Nepal Super League (NSL) standings on Friday after a brilliant hat-trick by forward Ahmad Hijazi led them to a 3–1 comeback victory over former champions Kathmandu Rayzrs at the Dasharath Stadium in Tripureshwar.

This was Dhangadhi’s second win of the season and came in impressive fashion as they overturned an early deficit to secure all three points.

The victory also marked their third win in five encounters against Kathmandu, who have only managed one win in the fixture, with one match ending in a draw.

Kathmandu had taken the lead in the 22nd minute when Amadou Diop found the net with a fine strike inside the box after receiving a pass from Mohammed Buya Turay. However, Dhangadhi responded strongly.

In the 35th minute, Hijazi equalized with a well-taken goal inside the box following a clever pass from teammate Mohammed El.

Just six minutes later, Hijazi struck again. After a blocked shot from a Kathmandu defender landed at his feet, he calmly slotted the ball home to put Dhangadhi ahead.

The Lebanese striker completed his hat-trick in added time of the first half, finishing off a well-placed pass from Sergio Barboza inside the six-yard box.

With that, Hijazi became the first player to score a hat-trick in this season’s NSL.

Despite efforts from both sides in the second half, no further goals were scored.

However, tempers flared late in the game. In the 86th minute, a confrontation between players led to both teams being reduced to 10 men.

Dhangadhi defender Randeep Paudel received a second yellow card, while Kathmandu forward Vincent Koziello was shown a straight red by referee Prajwol Kshetri.

After four matches, Dhangadhi now sit at the top of the table with 8 points, level with Lalitpur City FC, who are second due to goal difference.

FC Chitwan and Kathmandu Rayzrs follow with 7 and 5 points respectively.