Invincible APF lift ANFA Women's League title

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 30: APF Club thrashed Nepal Police Club 4-0 in the final to lift the ANFA Women's League title on Wednesday. APF remained unbeaten in its title defense of the league. 

After a 1-1 draw in its first match against Nepal Police, the defending champions maintained an impressive winning streak of 18 consecutive games.

APF topped the first round of the league held in Surkhet with 25 points, achieving eight victories and one draw. 

In the second round, conducted in a double round-robin format, APF won all eight matches, allowing them to advance to the qualifiers. Moreover, APF defeated Nepal Police in three out of the four encounters they had in the league. 

With the title victory, APF also received a cash prize of Rs. 1,000,000, while Nepal Police was awarded Rs. 500,000. Police finished runners up for three consecutive season. 

A brace from Sabita Ranamagar, along with goals from Saru Limbu and Anu Lama led APF to their fourth consecutive league title. This season, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) organized the women's league in a playoff format. 

The final match, held at Dasarath Rangashala, came to life in the second half after the first 45 minutes ended in a goalless stalemate. It took APF 64 minutes to break the deadlock, with Sabita scoring first by finishing a cross from Saru Limbu. 

Saru doubled APF's advantage in the 69th minute, scoring on a rebound after Sabita's initial shot hit the post. 

Sabita added her second goal and APF's third in the 83rd minute, capitalizing on a through ball from Preeti Rai. 

Anu Lama, who replaced Renu Nagarkoti in the 87th minute, sealed the match for APF in stoppage time (90+5), making the score 4-0.

APF players dominated the individual awards, with Sabita being named the Most Valuable Player of the league, scoring 11 goals and providing 13 assists. Sabitri Kisan of APF was named the Best Goalkeeper. Rashmi Kumari Ghising finished as the tournament's highest scorer with 35 goals. Additionally, Tribhuvan Army FC received the Fair Play Award.

Anu hangs her boot

In a bittersweet moment, Anu Lama announced her retirement from domestic football. A former captain of the national women's football team, had previously retired from international football six years ago. Anu received a guard of honor from her teammates. 

She made her debut in women's football with Nepal's U23 squad during the 2010 South Asian Games in Bangladesh. 

Following her impressive performance there, Anu was called up to the women's national squad for the SAFF Women's Championship 2010. 

 Anu is the second leading international goal scorer for Nepal. The 37-year-old had 35 international goals to her credit.