APF Decimate Padma Sports to Reach Quarter-Finals
BHADRAPUR, NEPAL – Armed Police Force (APF) Football Club cruised into the quarter-finals of the Om Sai Pathibhara Hospital Chandragadhi Women’s Gold Cup with a convincing 6–0 win over Okhaldhunga’s Padma Sports Club at Mechi Stadium. With several national team regulars in their squad, APF turned a close first half into a one-sided second half. Their victory sets up an exciting quarter-final against Sankata Football Club as the tournament heats up. APF took the lead in the 28th minute when captain Anita Basnet set up Rashmi Kumari Ghising for the opening goal. Ghising doubled the lead in the 41st minute after a Padma Sports goalkeeper error. Just a minute later, in the 42nd, Renuka Nagarkoti finished a move started by Ghising to make it 3–0. After halftime, Ghising completed her hat-trick in the 52nd minute, quickly followed by her fourth goal in the 56th. Anita KC added one in the 54th minute after a defensive error.  Despite the lopsided scoreline, Padma Sports Club showed flashes of spirit, with Pushpa Khadka nearly pulling one back in the 54th minute. Her goal-bound effort from inside the box forced a world-class save from APF’s star goalkeeper, Anjana Rana Magar, preserving the clean sheet. Padma Sports Club had some good moments despite the heavy defeat. In the 54th minute, Pushpa Khadka almost scored, but APF goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar made an excellent save to keep a clean sheet. Rashmi Kumari Ghising was named Player of the Match for her four goals and received a cash prize of 11,000 NPR. The tournament, which offers a record 1.1 million NPR to the winners, continues tomorrow, with Nepal Police Football Club facing India’s Rani Laxmibai Sports Academy.
