This is the highest level of football that Nepalese domestic women's football can enter. Even though APF, making the best comeback in its history, has scheduled a trip to the finals of the ANFA Women's League on Saturday. APF defeated Army 2-1 in Qualifier-1 at ANFA Complex in Satdobato.

 The heroine of the win was forward Rashmikumari Ghising. The two goals of Rashmika, who is the top scorer of the tournament, will be the most important. 

This game was exciting, making everyone happy. We were confident of winning this match, so even when we were behind by one goal, we did not panic," said APF coach Jeevesh Kumar Pandey. Former national player Pandey said that there will be pressure in the game, but the team is confident that they will win. He added, "In the second half, we made some changes in the game strategy. That means playing more aggressively.' 

Captain Anita Basnet agreed with his claim. She said, "There was no pressure even when we were behind by one goal. We were playing with the thought that we can return to the game. This victory was made possible especially by the experience of APF players. At one time, along with Anita, there was a question about the performance of some of her contemporaries. However, this time the performance of these players in the league, which has proved again, Nepali team still needs them. 

"Something was difficult during the criticism," said Anita, "that's why we played more hard." Captain Anita has an important contribution in the journey set by APF. She has shown her intelligent play in the decisive mode of most of the matches. She added, "It is as if we have become champions in the league. We won by 49 points. It is a great performance in every sense.' 

Rashmi decisive

Army took the lead in the eighth minute in an exciting game. APF goalkeeper Savitri Kisan could not control the ball well, Hima Chaudhary easily headed the post. This goal was made possible by Kisan's mistake. Vimala Chaudhary's shot from a little ahead of the middle of the field bounced twice and reached Kisan. He should have been able to control it easily. It will be a great lesson for these young goalkeepers. 

This lead was maintained by the Army for 78 minutes and the team seemed headed for victory. However, Rashmi scored two goals in a span of 10 minutes and gave the team a sensational victory. He scored the first goal in the 78th minute to tie the game. Initially, the 'clearance' of Army goalkeeper Anjana Ranagamar was poor. Rashmi got an opportunity to hit a volley on the return ball. In an attempt to stop the shot, the ball touched the hand of Anjana and took the direction of the post. 

Then Rashmi added the second goal in the 88th minute. This ultimately proved decisive. It was also a special team goal. Initially, Anita KC advanced the ball and passed to Rashmi. Rashmi gives strength to Preeti Rai. Preeti then provided a sweet pass and Rashmi easily hit the ball towards the post. After this goal, there was a fountain of happiness among APF players, team and supporters. Preeti was the 'player of the match'. She presented a sweet 'dribbling' pattern on a few occasions during the game. 

Unbeaten Army

At the end of the game, the Army players remained stunned. It was natural. Army will now play Qualifier-2. Army's match will be against Police Club. This means Army has one more chance to reach the finals. Army coach Krishnasingh Thagunna admitted that lack of experience was behind his team's defeat. He meant, experience is of great importance in football. According to him, this game will be an education for the young players of the Army.