Dhangadhi made a happy start to their Nepal Super League campaign after a late strike from Ahmed Hijazi helped the last edition’s runners-up defeat Birgunj United 2-1 at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Sunday.

Hans Kwofie had cancelled out the Fode Fofana’s lead through a penalty kick but Lebanese Hijazi made sure Dhangadhi stay as one of the tournament favourites after falling short against Kathmandu Rayzrs in the 2021 edition final.

Yugal Kishor Rai’s Dhangadhi took the lead after just two minutes when Guinea forward Fofana stretched to tap in a cross from 2023 Martyrs Memorial A-Division League top scorer Olawale Afeez, who was released by Aashish Chaudhary.

The early deficit piled pressure on Birgunj, who constantly searched for an equaliser and William Opoku almost equalised in the 9th minute with an ambitious left-footer from near the penalty spot but Dhangadhi’s Richard Osei Agyemang came to the rescue with a block.

Birgunj’s Bhison Gurung went close to scoring three minutes later when found a deftly controlled pass from Ghana forward Kwofie and charged a right-footed volley at the goal but it missed the target by inch.

At the other end, Birgunj goalkeeper Deep Karki nearly gifted Dhangadhi their second goal of the game when he misjudged a cross from Abhishek Gurung and his loose clutch almost allowed a dangerous Afeez to pounce on but Karki quickly amended that blunder with a hasty clearance.

Nigerian Afeez should have doubled Dhangadhi’s lead at the half-hour mark when a poor clearance from Birgunj defenders left him with a golden opportunity but his tame shot was blocked by goalie Karki.

Birgunj profited from that Dhangadhi mistake with an equaliser from the spot kick in the first half injury time after Senegal defender Diagne Fallou handled the ball inside the box. Kwofie stepped up and sent Birgunj’s Lebanon goalie Mohamad Taha the wrong way.

Dhangadhi controlled most of the second half but still lacked sharpness and composure.

Their chance to reestablish their lead came soon after the restart when Afeez intercepted a poor pass from Diwakar Chaudhary and raced into the box but Birgunj defenders Djadje Tshamala Gustavo and Diwakar proved too strong for him.

Birgunj were dull at the front and were mostly pinned back to their own half as

Dhangadhi continued to look for a winner and it finally arrived in the 90th minute. Kritish Rata Chhunju choreographed the success sending a neat pass through the Birgunj defenders and the second-half substitute Hijazi made the most of it giving Karki no chance.

On Monday, Sporting Ilam will look to bounce from their opening loss to holders Kathmandu when they take on Jhapa in the eastern region derby.