Lalitpur City FC clinch NSL title

KATHMANDU: Lalitpur City FC successfully defended their Nepal Super League (NSL) crown, defeating Pokhara Thunders 2-1 in a thrilling final at Dasharath Stadium to claim their second consecutive championship title.

Nigerian forward Imoh Ezekiel and Papa Ibou Kebe scored the decisive goals for Lalitpur, helping their side maintain an unbeaten run through all 11 matches of the season.

With this victory, Lalitpur have now become the most successful club in NSL history, winning two of the league’s three editions.

The final lived up to expectations with both teams showcasing intense, high-quality football.

Despite multiple chances for Pokhara, Lalitpur took the lead in the 42nd minute when Imoh capitalized on a fumble by goalkeeper Gilamo Priso.

The ball, misjudged from a cross by Manoj Rai, fell kindly to Imoh who made no mistake from close range.

Pokhara responded with equal intensity in the second half and leveled the match in the 63rd minute.

Stephan Samir’s header from a Padam Bhattarai cross was initially blocked by Lalitpur’s keeper Jeffrey Baltus, but he couldn’t prevent the rebound, which Samir slotted home.

However, Lalitpur regained the lead in the 74th minute. A defensive lapse from Pokhara allowed Imoh to deliver a dangerous ball inside the box, and Papa Ibou Kebe calmly finished to make it 2-1. Pokhara failed to find a second equalizer, sealing Lalitpur’s place at the top once again.

Awards and Highlights:

• Best Player of the Tournament: Ayush Ghalan (Pokhara Thunders) – NPR 250,000

• Emerging Player: Santosh Khatri (Lalitpur City FC) – NPR 100,000

• Energetic Player: Mani Kumar Lama (Lalitpur City FC) – NPR 100,000

• Best Goalkeeper: Gilamo Priso (Pokhara Thunders) – 5 clean sheets – NPR 100,000

• Top Scorer: Ahmad Hijazi (Dhangadhi FC) – 5 goals this season, 9 in total across three NSL seasons

• Fair Play Team: Jhapa FC

• Goodwill Ambassador: Prity Rai (Nepal Women’s National Team) – awarded a scooter

Prize Money:

• Champions (Lalitpur City FC): NPR 8 million

• Runners-up (Pokhara Thunders): NPR 3 million

The third season of NSL concluded with a display of exceptional football and growing competitiveness, as Lalitpur cemented their dominance and Pokhara emerged as worthy challengers.