By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 22, 2025 13:57 PM • 89 views
Nepal Police Club held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to outlast rivals Tribhuvan Army Club and book a place in the final of the inaugural Lumbini Cup International Invitational Women's Football Tournament on Tuesday.
In front of a buzzing crowd at Nepalgunj Stadium, Police triumphed 9-8 in a nail-biting sudden-death shootout after the game had ended 1-1 in regulation time and 4-4 in regular penalties. Goalkeeper Usha Nath emerged the hero for the Police, pulling off three crucial saves and earning the Player of the Match award along with a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
The high-stakes semi-final began with Police drawing first blood in the 28th minute. Mina Deuba capitalized on a rebound after Army keeper Kopila Khadka parried Amrita Jaishi's dangerous free-kick away. The lead, however, slipped away in the final 10 minutes. Army substitute Tulsa Bohara bent in a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box in the 80th minute after Sahara Limbu handled the ball just outside the area.
With no separation after full-time and regular penalties tied at 4-4, the contest headed into sudden death. Calm nerves and Usha Nath's brilliance made the difference.
Police's scorers in the shootout included Rebika Pandey, Usha Nath, Niru Thapa, Sushma Tamang, Anuska Sherpa, and Amrita Jaishi. Though Monika Pulami Magar and Mina Deuba were denied by Army keeper Kopila, and Samiksha Ghimire struck the post, it was enough to edge past Army.
Army's goals came from Tulsa Bohara, Hima Chaudhary, Sapna Lama, and Sukharia Sukkhu, but missed attempts by Anchali Waiba, Sunita Chaudhary, Indira Rai, and Chandra Bhandari proved costly.
With the victory, the Police march into the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between Armed Police Force (APF) Club and Rautahat District Football Association, set for Wednesday.
The tournament – featuring eight teams including Banke-11, APF, Police, Army, Karnali, Sudurpaschim, Rautahat, and India's Siliguri FC – carries a winner's purse of Rs 505,555 and Rs 250,000 for the runner-up.
In the QF stage, the Police thrashed Siliguri FC 4-0, while the Army recorded a 4-0 win over Sudurpaschim. In Monday's quarter-final clash, APF cruised past Karnali 6-0.
