Kathmandu: Nepal Police Club edged Tribhuvan Army Club in a sudden death penalty shootout to cruise into the final of International Invitational Lumbini Cup Women’s Football Tournament at the Nepalgunj Stadium, Tuesday.

The winners were decided on sudden death after a 1-1 draw in the regulation period and a 4-4 tie on penalties in the first semifinal.

Police custodian Usha Nath saved three penalties and was later honored with player-of-the-match award.

Police now await the winner between Armed Police Force (APF) and Rautahat Football Association in the title clash on Friday. APF will vie Rautahat in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

Rebika Pandey, Usha, Niru Thapa, Sushma Tamang, Anuska Sherpa and Amrita Jaishi converted their strikes from the spot. Army goalkeeper Kopila Khadka denied Monika Pulami Magar and Mina Deuwa while Samikshya Ghimire shot on the woodwork.

Army players Tulasa Bohara, Hima Chaudhary, Sapana Lama, Bimala BK and Sukhariya Sukkhu scored from the spot. Usha saved spot-kicks from  Anjali Waiba, Sunita Chaudhary and Indira Rai while Chandra Bhandari’s ended up firing wide.

Police had taken a 28th minute lead through Mina Deuwa capitalising on an error by goalkeeper Kopila.

Army staged a late fightback after Tulasa Bohara equalised with a stunning free-kick 10 minutes from time.