Kathmandu, Nepal: In a heart-stopping finale to the Nepal Super League (NSL) play-off, Dhangadhi FC edged out Pokhara Thunders 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. It was a night of nerves, resilience, and triumph for Dhangadhi as they booked their ticket to the championship clash.

The tension crackled in the Kathmandu air as both teams battled for a coveted spot in the NSL final. Pokhara drew first blood in the 2nd minute, thanks to a moment of magic from Moses Gyaba. The nimble Ghanaian forward weaved through the Dhangadhi defence before coolly slotting the ball past onrushing goalkeeper Mohammad Taha by Aayush Ghalan.

But Dhangadhi, led by the ever-vocal captain Devendra Tamang, refused to yield. They tirelessly probed the Pokhara defence, and their persistence paid off in the 54th minute. A perfectly weighted free-kick from Kamal Shrestha found the head of Tamang, who powered a bullet header past Priso, the Pokhara goalkeeper.

The game remained on a knife’s edge, with both teams trading blows. Moments of individual brilliance like Franklin Talla’s towering header, brilliantly saved by Taha, and Joe Aidu’s agonizingly close effort, tipped over the bar by a diving Taha, kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Just as it seemed Pokhara would snatch the victory in the dying embers of extra time, Annor rose unmarked to head home a corner in the 113th minute. But Dhangadhi refused to lie down. With seconds remaining, the tireless Tamang found fellow substitute Ahmad Hijaji in the box, and the striker coolly slotted home the equalizer, sending the Dhangadhi bench into a frenzy.

The penalty shootout proved to be a nerve-wracking affair. Agyaman, Fode Fofana, Ashish Chaudhary, and Devendra Tamang held their nerve for Dhangadhi, converting their spot-kicks with aplomb. Pokhara’s Dinesh Rajvanshi, Anjal Maharjan, and Suraj Jiu Thakuri also found the net. Still, Ayush Ghalan and Moses Gyaba saw their efforts thwarted by the imposing Taha, who had transformed into a penalty-saving hero for Dhangadhi. Dhangadhi’s celebrations erupted as the final whistle blew, marking their hard-fought journey to the NSL final.