By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 19, 2025 14:09 PM • 111 views
Nepalgunj: Nepal Police Club cruised into the semi-finals of the inaugural International Invitational Lumbini Cup Women's Football Tournament with a commanding 4-0 victory over Indian side Siliguri FC on Saturday at the Nepalgunj Stadium.
The departmental giants' first-half blitz sealed their place in the final four, thanks to a brace from forward Nirmala Upadhyay and goals from Mina Deuba and captain Niru Thapa. Police, led by head coach Suman Subedi, showed no mercy in the opening 45 minutes, netting all four goals before halftime.
The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Deuba broke free and calmly slotted home to put the Police ahead. Just five minutes later, Upadhyay doubled the lead, and the visitors were visibly rattled. The third goal came in the 22nd minute, with Thapa adding her name to the scoresheet from the penalty spot. On the 30th, Upadhyay made no mistake, registering her second goal and sealing the result before the half-hour mark.
Despite a more composed second-half performance from the Indian outfit, the damage had already been done. Neither side could find the net after the break, with the Police opting to manage the game and protect their clean sheet.
Police's lineup featured several seasoned national players, including goalkeeper Usha Nath and defenders Samiksha Ghimire, Amrita Jaishi, and Sushma Tamang, further underlining the club's depth and quality.
With the win, Police will now face off against another heavyweight, Tribhuvan Army Club, on Baisakh 9 for a place in the final. Army had earlier dispatched Sudurpaschim Province Football Association with an identical 4-0 scoreline in the tournament opener.
Eight teams compete in the tournament, jointly organized by Antaral and the Banke District Football Association. The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs 505,555, while the runner-up will collect Rs 250,000, along with trophies and medals. Individual accolades, including 'Player of the Match' and 'Player of the Tournament,' will also be awarded.
Upadhyay, whose clinical performance led the Police attack, was deservingly named Player of the Match.
Sunday's fixture will feature hosts Banke Football Association taking on Rautahat District Football Association.
