African recruit Cedric Aba, Nirajan Khadka, Prakash Budhathoki and Shahi Rai scored a goal each in the hosts’ clinical display at the Anfa Technical Centre grounds. Aba opened scoring for Dharan in the 20th minute when he slotted home a pass from Budhathoki. After the early goal, Dharan kept exerting more pressure on Lisnu, who had fielded three Nigerian and as many national team players, but the scores remained 1-0 heading into the second half.

The hard work paid dividend for Dharan 12 minutes after the break with Khadka cashing in on another pass from Budhathoki. The provider of the first two goals then turned scorer in the 69th minute beating Lisnu custodian Raju Nagarkoti after Aba fed him inside the area. The hosts added the fourth goal in the 86th minute through Rai, who netted a pass from Khadka.

Lisnu had few goalscoring opportunities but were not able to make full use of them. Unmarked Elvis was in perfect position to put Lisnu ahead in the 16th minute only for Dharan goalie Aashit Tamang to deny his shot. Anil Ojha also had an opportunity in level the score in the 29th minute but his powerful shot was cleared by defender Saroj Dahal. Dharan goalie Tamang kept Lisnu at the bay when he beautifully punched out a header from Elvis in the 75th minute. The close-range header from Elvis came from a rebound ball after Rabi Silwal had hit the woodworks.

Their frustration continued after Peter Segun failed to score in a one-versus-one encounter with Tamang. Dharan coach Subash KC said his team has some areas to improve. “We were not able to read their (Lisnu’s) strategy in the first half where we managed just one goal. We should have scored three goals in the first half alone,” said KC.

Lisnu manager Krishna Gurung blamed his midfielders and defenders for the loss. “We were not able to set the team right and our defenders and midfielders were not good enough,” said Gurung. Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Pokhara XI on Sunday.