Armed Police Force Club clinched the women’s league trophy for a fourth consecutive time after they defeated Nepal Police Club 4-0 in the final at the Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Sabita Rana Magar scored a brace, while Saru Limbu and Anu Lama added a goal each to seal APF’s triumph, equalling the record of Police who had defended the title four times in a row from 2012 to 2016.

The victory capped off an unbeaten season for APF, extending their remarkable run to 18 straight wins in 19 matches, with their only blip coming in a goalless draw against Police in their opening fixture.

The league triumph also marked APF’s continued dominance in women’s domestic football as they remain unbeaten across four seasons, since the 2017-18 campaign.

APF entered the final as firm favourites, having already beaten Police twice in the Super League stage.

Police, however, were brimming with confidence, buoyed by their penalty shootout win over Tribhuvan Army Club in Qualifier 2.

APF dominated the possession from the onset, pressing high and keeping Police on the back foot. But their attacking efforts were met with stubborn resistance from Police’s resolute defence in the first half.

APF coach Jibesh Kumar Pandey introduced Anita KC in place of defender Pratikshya Chaudhary after 23 minutes to inject more attacking impetus and it nearly paid off immediate dividends, with APF creating a series of threatening moments inside the Police penalty area.

After Puja Rana’s unsuccessful attempt to block Anita Basnet’s low corner, Limbu seized the loose ball and delivered a cutback to an unmarked Rana Magar. However, Rana Magar lost her footing and slipped. The Police defenders hesitated once again in their clearance, and their weak effort sent the ball straight to Basnet’s feet. Basnet attempted a shot from the crowded area, but this time, Puja Rana managed to block it.

APF’s struggle against a solid Police defence further continued in the first half, with Anita Banset’s 29th minute long range shot being the only other attempt.

Police occasionally won midfield duels but failed to mount any significant threat to the APF box.

APF returned stronger after the break and continued to knock on the Police door.

However, it was the Police who came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 60th minute. Captain Niru Thapa took advantage of a confusion in the APF backline to tee up Birsana Chaudhary but Kisan produced a brilliant double save—first denying Chaudhary and then parrying away a follow-up effort from Nirmala Upadhyaya.

APF sensed more urgency after the close call and they finally broke through in the 64th minute. Limbu connected with a through pass from KC and laid a pin point cross for Rana Magar, who calmly slotted home to give APF the lead.

Limbu doubled APF’s advantage five minutes later, clinically converting a rebound after Rashmi Ghising’s header hit the upright.

Rana Magar put the result beyond doubt in the 83rd minute with a composed finish after Preeti Rai set her through with a brilliant pass.

Rai came close to adding another in the 85th but her powerful shot hit the crossbar.

Perfect farewell

Former national player and APF’s legendary striker Anu Lama had a dream retirement from domestic footall as she also found the net in stoppage time, pouncing on a howler from Police goalie Nath.

The 37-year-old Lama, who came off the bench in the 87th minute, intercepted a misjudged pass by Nath outside her penalty area and coolly put the ball into the empty net.

Following the final whistle, APF players formed a guard of honour to bid farewell to Lama, Nepal’s second all-time leading scorer with 35 international goals in 19 appearances.

Lama had announced her retirement from international football in March 2019. She made her national team debut at the 2010 South Asian Games.

Champions APF claimed a cash prize of Rs1 million, while runners-up Police bagged a purse of Rs500,000.

Rashmi Ghising won the top scorer award for her outstanding 39-goal tally and took home Rs50,000.

Rana Magar was awarded the best player accolade, earning Rs100,000.

APF’s Kisan was named the best goalkeeper. She received Rs50,000.

Army won the fair play award and were awarded Rs150,000.