ANFA Women's League: Both matches on Day 3 ends in draw

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 4: Two matches played on Day 3 of the ANFA Women's League-2081 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur, on Tuesday settled in a draw. 

The first tie of the day was in between Chandrapur Municipality and Karnali Province which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Karnali was the first to open the account while Chandrapur equalised later. Moreover, Chandrapur gave away the first goal to a silly mistake.

As the sixth minute was coming to an end, Karnali resumed play from a throw-in near the half-way line. Fighting for the ball, Karnali's No. 10 kicks the ball backwards toward the opponent's goalpost. Chandrapur had four defenders in line at the back but they could neither hold nor clear the ball allowing Sunkala Rai to hit an average shot that went above the forward-coming goalie.

With Sunkala's lead, Karnali seemed motivated. Nevertheless, Chandrapur did not lose its footing as well. As the first half was coming to an end with Karnali leading 1-0, Chandrapur turned the tides in the three minutes of added time.

In the final minutes of the added time, Chandrapur resumed play from a goal kick. A pass to the defender from the goalie was taken forward from the right flank by Chandrapur until it was passed inside the six-yard-box for Rajani Thokar to score the leveller.

On the other hand, the second match of the day, a departmental derby, started 15 minutes late than scheduled due to heavy rain. Nepal Police and APF played a goalless draw in the first departmental derby of the League. 

The defending champions APF Club, who has won the last three seasons consecutively, was seen struggling against Nepal Police as the champs were short of some major players. APF does not have its striker Sabitra Bhandari and goalie Anjila Tumbapo Subba this season; both have joined European clubs. Likewise, Nepal Police players could also not capitalise on the chances they could create and hand over APF their first loss in the League after three seasons.

In both the matches, the players were continuously losing their balance due to wet field. There were also a number of fouls and injuries in both games. 

Tribhuvan Army Club and Sankata Club are competing in the only match of Day 4 on Wednesday.