By Sachit Subba • Football • Apr 23, 2025 13:32 PM • 113 views
Nepalgunj: The Armed Police Force (APF) Club continued its dominant run in Nepali women's football, marching into the final of the inaugural Lumbini Cup International Invitational Women's Football Tournament with a composed 3-0 win over Rautahat District FA on Wednesday at the Nepalgunj Stadium.
In the second semifinal, APF broke the deadlock late, but once they did, there was no looking back. After a goalless and nervy first half, goals from Anita KC, Nisha Thokar, and Sabita Rana Magar in the final 20 minutes sealed the victory and set up a mouthwatering final clash against Nepal Police Club on Baisakh 12.
Anita KC, who broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute with a superb finish off a clever assist from Renuka Hamal, was named Player of the Match and pocketed a cash prize of Rs 5,000.
Rautahat, however, made APF work for every inch of their win. With young talents like Senu Pariyar, Simran Rai, Jennifer Rana, and goalkeeper Usha Thapa showing grit and determination, APF's attack – led by a core of national team regulars – struggled to find rhythm early on.
Nisha Thokar finally doubled the lead in the 80th minute with a well-timed header, ghosting past unmarked defenders to meet an Anita Basnet corner. Then, in the final minute of regulation time, Sabita Rana Magar pounced on a rebound after Usha Thapa failed to hold Saru Limbu's thunderbolt from distance, putting the result beyond doubt.
With this win, APF now eyes a third consecutive title in Mofasal tournaments, having previously lifted the Women's Gold Cups in Ilam and Chitwan. The team also recently clinched the Women's League crown, underlining their status as the powerhouse of Nepali women's football.
Nepal Police, their opponent in the final, had edged past Tribhuvan Army Club in a tense sudden-death shootout on Tuesday, setting the stage for a high-voltage departmental derby for the title.
This year's Lumbini Cup features eight teams, including hosts Banke-11, APF, Nepal Police, Army, Karnali Province, Sudurpaschim, Rautahat, and India's Siliguri FC. The champions will win a cash prize of Rs 505,555, while the runners-up will bag Rs 250,000, along with trophies and medals.
Antaral and the Banke District Football Association jointly organised the tournament.
