Bimala Chaudhary scored a brace as Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Bagmati Youth Club 2-0 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato to kick off the Super League stage of the ANFA Women’s League on Thursday.

Army, who advanced as the second placed-team, were facing a Bagmati side that, despite finishing sixth, qualified for the Super League after fifth-placed team Koshi Province pulled out of the tournament due to financial constraints.

Five teams—Armed Police Force Club, Army, Nepal Police Club, Waling Municipality and Bagmati—in the Super League will compete in the double round robin league, with the top-four teams advancing into the playoffs.

Army dominated the game from the start, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 13th minute. Sapana Lama fed unmarked Hima Chaudhary with a pinpoint cross but the forward could not capitalise.

Bimala Chaudhary opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Bimala BK’s long pass found her inside the penalty area and she calmly beat Bagmati’s advancing goalkeeper Sujata Tamang with a beautiful volley.

Bimala Chaudhary had another chance to extend Army’s lead in the 38th minute after connecting with a cross from Lama just outside the six-yard box. But Tamang’s quick reaction denied Bimala Chaudhary’s initial attempt, and her follow-up effort narrowly missed the target.

Jargha Magar reached closer to goal in the 60th minute with a lofted shot from a corner but Bagmati goalkeeper Tamang showed her awareness to deny Jargha Magar with a brilliant save.

Bimala Chaudhary eventually doubled Army’s advantage in the 71st minute, heading in Lama’s corner for her ninth goal of the campaign.

Bagmati showed an improved game but they still struggled to break a disciplined Army defence. Their only opportunity of the game came seconds into the second half when Asmita Khawash intercepted a loose pass from Punam Jargha Magar in the midfield, overpowered Bimala BK and surged towards the goal but could not convert the chance.

Bagmati also lost their captain Divya Yasmali Magar who had to be stretchered off late into the game due to an injury.

Nepal Police Club and Waling Municipality play against each other on Friday.

Result

ANFA Women’s League

Super League

Army2-0Bagmati

Bimala Chaudhary 25’, 71’

Playing Friday

Police15:00Waling