APF Triumph in Penalty Drama, Police Await in Final
Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club edged past Tribhuvan Army Club in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their spot in the final of the Jhapa Women’s Gold Cup at the Dudhe Stadium in Shivasatakshi, Jhapa. APF sealed a 4–2 victory in the tiebreaker after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, setting up a much-anticipated departmental final showdown with Nepal Police Club. Both teams came out firing from the first whistle, playing attacking football and testing each other’s defences early on. In the 26th minute, APF’s Saru Limbu unleashed a long-range strike that missed the target by inches. Just three minutes later, Army’s Tulsa Bohora delivered a precise cross, but forward Bimala Chaudhary’s header sailed over the bar. APF nearly took the lead in the 39th minute when captain Anita Basnet’s corner found Rashmi Kumari Ghising, whose volley was brilliantly blocked by an Army defender. The Army immediately countered, with Tulsa Bohora getting a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar, but failed to convert. The second half continued with end-to-end play. In the 58th minute, Rashmi Ghising danced past two defenders, but her low strike was saved by the Army’s keeper Kopila Khadka. Five minutes later, a defensive miscommunication between Nisha Thokar and Anjana Rana allowed Chandra Bhandari to tap home, putting Army 1–0 ahead. APF pushed hard for an equaliser and came close in the 81st minute when Rashmi’s header from Anita’s cross narrowly missed the post. Then came late drama in stoppage time — Bimala Chaudhary’s handball gifted APF a free kick from 25 yards out. Captain Anita Basnet rose to the moment, curling in a stunning equaliser to make it 1–1 and send the game into penalties.  In the shootout, APF’s Sabita Rana, Anita Basnet, Nisha Thokar, and Rashmi Ghising found the net, while Renuka Hamal’s shot was stopped by Khadka. For the Army, only Bimala Bik and Anita Lamjel converted their chances as Anjana Rana Magar denied Bimala Chaudhary and Sushmita Chaudhary, sealing APF’s place in the final. Goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance, earning a cash prize of NPR 15,000 and a trophy. APF will now face Nepal Police Club in the grand finale, a match set to deliver high drama as two departmental giants battle for the coveted title. The champions will walk away with a cash prize of NPR 1.01 million, while the runners-up will take home NPR 500,000. The best Player of the tournament will receive NPR 150,000, and awards worth NPR 25,000 each will go to the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward, coach, emerging Player, and top scorer. Each match’s Player of the Match also receives NPR 15,000 and a trophy. The final showdown is scheduled for Kartik 24 (November 10) at the Dudhe Stadium.
