Tribhuvan Army Club strengthened their bid for a top-two finish in the Super League of the ANFA Women’s League as they defeated Bagmati Youth Club 3-0 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Monday.

Goals from Sapana Lama, Punam Jargha Magar and Chandra Bhandari propelled Army to garner 10 points from five matches, moving them within two points of leaders Armed Police Force Club and three clear of third-placed Nepal Police Club, although both their departmental rivals have a game in hand.

A 3-0 defeat against defending champions APF on Saturday severely dented Army’s chances of finishing on the summit of the standings. But they are firmly in contention for second place. The top two teams at the end of the double round-robin Super League will enter Qualifier 1, where they face off against each other for a direct berth in the final.

The third and fourth placed teams meet in the Eliminator, with the winners taking on the losing side of Qualifier 1 to secure the remaining spot in the championship match on February 29.

Army, boosted by the return of Anjana Rana Magar, took the lead in the 6th minute through Lama, who headed home an inch-perfect cross from Bimala Chaudhary after being left unmarked in the penalty area.

Despite the early lead, Army spurned several chances to extend their advantage.

In the 13th minute, Chandra Bhandari squandered a golden opportunity set up by a brilliant through pass from Sharmila Thapa. With no defenders in her path and Lama unmarked nearby, Bhandari hesitated allowing Bagmati goalkeeper Sujata Tamang to make a crucial save.

However, Bhandari redeemed herself in the 22nd minute as she showcased her deft footwork to cut inside before setting up Jargha Magar, who calmly slotted a low, left-footed strike past Tamang.

But Army’s wastefulness continued, highlighted by a missed penalty in the 33rd minute. Bhandari’s tame effort from the spot was comfortably saved by Tamang. The penalty was awarded to Army after Divya Yasmali Magar fouled Dipa Rai inside the box.

Bhandari had also missed a sitter moments ago after Chaudhary connected her with a precise cross.

Meanwhile, Bagmati struggled to mount any serious challenge. They only managed to apply pressure in the Army box on one or two occasions but still failed to create clear-cut chances.

The second half was mostly a drab affair as Army looked content with their 2-0 lead, while Bagmati offered little threat in their attack.

Bhandari eventually managed to get on the scoresheet in stoppage time, deftly flicking in a cross from Chaudhary.

Despite the loss, Bagmati sit in the fourth position with three points, which they earned against winless Waling Municipality.