Tripureshwar, Nepal: In a heart-stopping match at the Dasharath Stadium, Pokhara Thundersay FC snatched a dramatic 1-0 victory against Butwal Lumbini FC to secure their place in the playoffs of the second season of the Nepal Super League (NSL). The night’s hero was Moses Tum, whose clinical finish in injury time sent the Thundersay fans into joyous pandemonium.

Tum’s decisive strike, expertly orchestrated by a pinpoint through pass from marquee player Ayush Ghalan, not only sealed the win but also propelled him to the top of the NSL’s goalscoring charts with four goals to his name. This crucial victory puts Pokhara at the top of the league table with 14 points from seven games, cementing their position as the first team to book their playoff tickets.

For Butwal Lumbini, however, the loss dealt a heavy blow to their playoff aspirations. Stuck on 7 points from seven games, they were mathematically eliminated from contention, leaving Jhapa FC with the edge in the race for the remaining playoff spot thanks to their superior goal difference.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Pokhara relentlessly pushing for the opener while Butwal threatened through set pieces. Tum almost broke the deadlock with a header from Anjal Maharjan’s cross, and Sanjeev Bisht missed a golden one-on-one opportunity to give Butwal the lead.

As the clock ticked towards a frustrating goalless draw, Pokhara goalkeeper Priso Nzanga devised a heroic save from Eric Bista’s free kick, keeping the score level and giving Thundersay a glimmer of hope.

Then, when everyone thought the match was destined for a stalemate, Pokhara seized their moment. With a minute remaining in injury time, Ghalan’s exquisite through ball found Tum in the box, and the striker coolly slotted the ball home, sending the Thundersay faithful into raptures.

This dramatic victory secures Pokhara’s playoff berth and injects a potent dose of excitement into the NSL as the first round draws close.