Defending champions Armed Police Force Club solidified their credentials as title favourites as they defeated Nepal Police Club 2-0 in the second round match of the ANFA Women’s League at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Monday.

Rashmi Kumari Ghising put Army in front and Anita KC sealed all three points for APF, who have now extended their winning streak in the competition to 15 matches.

The reigning champions are also the only unbeaten team in the league, with their only minor setback coming in a goalless draw against Police in their opening match of the league.

The win also marked a double victory for APF against Police after previously humiliating them 6-0 in the first leg of the Super League.

The result also ensured APF entered into the playoff stage as group winners. They now have 21 points from seven games—five points clear of second placed Tribhuvan Army Club, who also have played seven games.

Both APF and Army have sealed their place in Qualifier 1. The two sides will meet in the last fixture of the double round robin Super League on Wednesday before facing off in another rematch in the Qualifier 1 on Jan 25. The winners of Qualifier 1 will advance directly into the championship match, set for Jan 29.

APF’s impeccable form has also seen them defeat Army twice already—2-1 in the league stage and 3-1 in the first leg of the Super League.

The playoffs and the final will take place at the Dasharath Stadium.

Police, also assured of a third-place finish, will take on fourth-placed Bagmati in the Eliminator on January 24.

For a depleted Police, it was a matter of pride after their hopes of finishing in the top two were dashed by a goalless 0-0 draw against less fancied Bagmati and a last-minute defeat against Army.

But APF outclassed them and took the lead in the 16th minute through Rashmi Kumari Ghising, who headed in a cross from Sabita Rana Magar. It was Ghising’s tournament leading 32nd goal this season.

Second half substitute Anita KC scored the winner in the 64th, four minutes after coming off the bench. Rana Magar was the provider again as she delivered a pinpoint cross for an unmarked KC to head in from close range.