APF FC Edges Sankata in Sudden Death Thriller
JHAPA, NEPAL â Armed Police Force (APF) FC displayed strong defence and determination to reach the semifinals of the Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital Chandragadhi Womenâs Gold Cup. They edged out Sankata Football Club in a tense, sudden-death shootout. With this win, APF will now face Church Boys United in the semifinals. The quarterfinal ended scoreless after 90 minutes, despite Sankata controlling the game and creating several chances. In the 33rd minute, Dora Boafemaâs powerful shot hit the crossbar. In stoppage time, Purnima Raiâs shot was saved by APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar. APF had trouble attacking. Their best chance came early when Rashmi Kumari Ghisingâs shot was stopped by Sankataâs Sushila Kumari Chaudhary.  As the match moved to a penalty shootout, the deadlock persisted. Both sides converted three spot-kicks apiece. APFâs Gita Rana, Anita Basnet, and Rashmi Kumari Ghising found the net. Sankataâs goalkeeper Sushila Kumari Chaudhary made two key saves against Anita KC and Renuka Nagarkoti. For Sankata, Yashoda Shahi, Sukriya Miya, and Lucia Lila scored their penalties. The shootout went into sudden death as the tension grew. APFâs Gita Rana scored the decisive penalty, sending APF through and Sankata home. Gita Rana was named Player of the Match for her defensive masterclass, earning a cash prize of 11,000 NPR. The Chandragadhi Youth Club is organising the tournament. It offers the biggest prize in Nepali womenâs football history. The winners will get 1.1 million NPR, and the runners-up will receive 500,000 NPR. There is also a 100,000 NPR prize for the Most Valuable Player. The tournament continues on Friday with a semifinal "Departmental Derby" between Tribhuvan Army FC and Nepal Police Club. The final is on April 27 (Baishakh 14).
