Defending champions Armed Police Force Club stormed into the final of the ANFA Women’s League after they came from behind to defeat Tribhuvan Army Club 2-1 in a thrilling Qualifier 1 at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, Lalitpur on Saturday.

Rashmi Kumari Ghising emerged as the hero for APF, netting a second-half brace after Army’s Hima Chaudhary had put Army in front early in the game.

The victory extended APF’s remarkable unbeaten run in the competition to 18 matches, including 17 consecutive wins.

It was APF’s fourth straight win over Army in the tournament this season, having already defeated them 2-1 in the league stage, followed by 3-1 and 2-1 wins in the Super League’s first and second legs, respectively.

APF, who are looking to win their fourth straight trophy, entered into the match as favourites but found themselves trailing in the eighth minute when Hima capitalised on a blunder by APF goalkeeper Sabitri Kisan.

Kisan, who had displayed signs of nerves as early as the second minute, failed to collect a routine free kick, allowing Hima to pounce and fire Army into the lead.

Army tightened their defence after taking the lead, frustrating APF throughout the first half.

Midfielder Preeti Rai, widely regarded Nepal’s finest in her position, orchestrated APF’s frequent attacks with remarkable skill and vision but Army goakeeper Anajana Rana Magar was equally inspired and in form, making crucial saves including a dangerous freekick from Anita Banset from the edge of the area.

Rana Magar also made a diving save to block a deflected shot from Preeti Rai late into the first half.

Army made tactical adjustments after half-time, introducing Anita KC in the place of defender Pratiskha Chaudhary to strengthen their attacking line up.

However it was Army who nearly doubled their lead in the 61st minute, capitalising on a rare defensive lapse from APF. In what has been an exceedingly uncommon occurrence throughout the competition, APF’s usually reliable backline faltered under pressure from Army’s frontline. Chandra Bhandari intercepted a poorly judged back pass from Nisha Thokar intended for goalkeeper Kisan and directed the ball towards the goal. But defender Gita Rana showcased exceptional composure and awareness to rush back and made a crucial goal-line clearance to keep APF in the contest.

Despite Army’s continued resilience, APF’s persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute, courtesy of Ghising, who pounced on a defensive error from Bimala BK whose misjudged back header landed directly in Ghising’s path and the forward lofted the ball over Army goalie Rana Magar, restoring the parity.

With momentum firmly on their side, APF completed the comeback in the 88th minute. Midfielder Rai initiated the move by dispossessing Dipa Rai in midfield, sparked a slick passing move involving KC before Ghising slotted home her second goal, securing a place in the final.

Army still have a life line. They will face Nepal Police Club in the Qualifier 2 on Monday, with the winners earning the remaining spot in the championship decider set for Wednesday.