Tribhuvan Army Club boosted their chances of progressing to the Qualifier 1 of the ANFA Women’s League after they defeated Nepal Police Club 1-0 in a drab departmental derby at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Thursday.

The clash between the Army and Police was characterised by few chances, a lot of missed passes and misfires, and lack of creativity. But just when the match seemed destined to end in a lifeless stalemate, Police’s Samikshya Ghimire inadvertently put the ball into her own net to gift Army a crucial victory.

The outcome propelled Army to 13 points from six matches, solidifying their position in the race for the top two spot. The Army have a relatively straightforward fixture against Waling Municipality on Sunday, and a win would all but guarantee their place in Qualifier 1.

Defending champions Armed Police Force Club, meanwhile, remain in pole position to advance and will need just a win over winless Waling of Friday to confirm their qualification. Three-time defending champions APF, who are looking to win their fourth straight trophy, have 15 points from five matches—two points clear of second-placed Army and five clear of third-placed Police, who have 10 points from six matches. Each team will play eight matches in the double round robin Super League.

The previous encounters between Army and Police this season had ended in draws—1-1 stalemate in the league stage and a goalless draw in the first leg of the Super League—and with both teams tied on 10 points and race for top two spot hotting up, a fiercely contested battle was expected.

However, Thursday’s derby turned out to be a subdued affair as both teams struggled to find their rhythm.

The first half produced little action, with Police managing the only notable chance.

Although Army controlled the opening exchanges, Police grew into the game and threatened Army box with a series of attacks in the 37th minute.

Army goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar made a crucial save to deny Puja Rana’s out-of-the-blue low drive following a corner. Yet, after Rana Magar failed to properly grab the ball, a chaos ensued in the penalty area that saw Police make several attempts at goal. Puja’s follow-up attempt, Birsana Chaudhary’s double header and Amrita Jaishi’s half-volley were all blocked by Army defenders.

The second half also offered little excitement, though both sides spurned golden opportunities late in the game.

Police captain Niru Thapa had a chance to put Police ahead in the 71st minute when Puja’s freekick from midfield found her just outside the six-yard box but Thapa ended up blasting her shot over the crossbar.

Army had an even better chance three minutes later. Second half substitute Sanju Kumal delivered a brilliant cross that was nodded on by Chandra Bhandari into the path of Amisha Karki inside the six yard box. But Karki failed to keep her composure and sent the shot over the bar.

The game was finally settled in the fifth minute of stoppage time through an unfortunate own goal from Ghimire, as Karki’s shot ricocheted off Police goalkeeper Usha Nath, only to take deflection off Ghimire and trickle into the net.