Nepal Police Club stunned Tribhuvan Army Club 2-1 on penalties in the Qualifier 2 of the ANFA Women’s League to progress into the final, setting up a mouthwatering title clash against reigning champions Armed Police Force Club.

The match remained goalless after regulation and extra time, setting the stage for a penalty shootout at the ANFA Complex.

Army endured a disastrous shootout, with goalkeeper Anjana Rana Magar as their only player to convert from the spot. Four Army players—Bimala Chaudhary, Chandra Bhandari, Anita Lamjel and Bimala BK—all embarrassingly missed the penalty kicks.

Police also had a nightmare shootout as penalties as Samjhana Lawati, Samikshya Ghimire and Niru Thapa were denied by Rana Magar. However, after Birsana Chaudhary converted the penalty, Police goalkeeper Usha Nath, who had also scored her penalty, sealed the win by saving Bimala KC’s decisive kick.

Police meet three-time defending champions APF—who remain undefeated this season and boast a 17-match winning streak—in the title match at the Dasharath Stadium on Wednesday.

Army started as strong favourites, dominating possession and mounting constant pressure on Police throughout the first half but struggled against a disciplined Police defence. Army’s only chance of the first half came in the 30th minute when Susmita Chaudhary’s lofted pass into the box caused confusion in the Police backline. Bimala was successful to snatch the ball from the Police defenders just in front of the six yard box but Police goalkeeper Nath responded swiftly to deny a close-range effort from Bimala.

Police went into the interval without troubling Army defence. But they showed an improved game after the break, creating a number of chances that ultimately went unconverted.

Army also struggled and failed to create any more clear cut chances in the second half as both sides failed to break the deadlock, pushing the match into extra time.

Police found a golden opportunity to grab a breakthrough in the 92nd minute when a defensive mistake from Bimala BK allowed Police’s Srijana Khadka to steal possession and supply captain Thapa. But Thapa hesitated as Army defenders swarmed back to their post to neutralise the threat.

Army applied more pressure on the Police box looking for the all important goal but Police defenders foiled their every effort as the game went into a tense tie breaker.

The defeat also ended four-time runners-up Army’s bid to win their maiden trophy.