Kathmandu: APF Football Club produced a late fightback to defeat Tribhuvan Army FC 2-1 in Qualifier 1 at the ANFA Women’s League at the ANFA Complex, Satdobato, on Saturday.

With this victory, APF secured their spot in the final, while Army will have another chance to qualify when they face Nepal Police Club in Qualifier 2 on Monday.

The match began with a dream start for Army as Hima Chaudhary gave them an early lead in the eighth minute. Hima tapped the ball into the net with ease capitalizing on a mistake by APF goalkeeper Sabitri Kishan, who fumbled Bimala BK’s freekick inside the area.

Despite the early setback, APF remained resilient and staged a remarkable comeback in the final quarter of the game. Rashmi Kumari Ghising, the league’s top scorer, emerged as the star of the match with two decisive goals.

Rashmi leveled the score in the 78th minute, pouncing on a poor header clearance by Army defender Bimala BK and slotting the ball past the Army goalkeeper with a clever finish.

She sealed the victory for APF in the 88th minute with a moment of brilliance. Combining effectively with playmaker Preeti Rai, Rashmi executed a one-two pass before beating Army goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar with a precise low shot inside the penalty area. Her two goals not only ensured APF’s win but also took her goal tally to an impressive 35, the highest in the league.

This victory marks APF’s fourth triumph over Tribhuvan Army FC in the ongoing league, showcasing their dominance in head-to-head matchups.

Tribhuvan Army FC, however, remains in contention for the final as they prepare to face Nepal Police Club on Monday. Nepal Police earned their spot in Qualifier 2 after defeating Bagmati Club in the eliminator.

The stage is now set for an intense showdown, with the winner of Monday’s match joining APF in the final on Wednesday. As the league nears its conclusion, APF stands as the team to beat, buoyed by Rashmi’s extraordinary form and their unyielding spirit.