Reigning champions Armed Police Force Club concluded the Super League stage of the ANFA Women’s League unbeaten as they defeated Tribhuvan Army Club 2-1 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Wednesday.

Rashmi Kumari Ghising and Anita Basnet scored in the first half for APF, while Amisha Karki pulled off one for Army late in the game.

Both APF and Army have already sealed their place in the Qualifier 1, setting the stage for a high-stake rematch on Saturday. The winner of that clash will earn a direct berth in the championship match on January 29.

Third-placed Nepal Police Club and fourth-placed Bagmati Youth Club will battle in the Eliminator at the ANFA Complex on Friday.

The Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2 and the final will be held at the Dasharath Stadium.

The losing side of Qualifier 1 will have another shot at the final by facing the winners of Eliminator in Qualifier 2.

APF had already secured a top spot in the five-team standings and the result ensured the three-time defending champion finished the Super League nine points clear and solidified their position as title favourites.

The outcome also extended APF’s remarkable winning streak in the competition to 16 matches this season. They have also maintained unbeaten run in the tournament, with their only stumble coming in a 0-0 draw against Nepal Police Club in their opening match of the league.

APF entered the match as clear favourites, having already beaten Army twice in the competition—2-1 in the first round, 3-1 in the first leg of the second round (Super League)—and continued their dominance with a lead in the 23rd minute through Ghising, who headed in a pin-point free kick delivered by Preeti Rai.

Basnet doubled APF’s lead in the 38th minute, lobbing the ball over Army goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar after Ghising assisted her with a brilliant pass.

Karki pulled one back for Army in the 83rd exploiting a misjudgement by APF goalkeeper Sabitri Kisan, heading in a cross from Bimala Chaudhary to inject some late drama into the contest.

But APF held firm to maintain their perfect campaign, further underlining their credentials as the team to beat this season.