Waling Municipality climbed to third in the Women’s League table with a 1-0 win over Nepal Police Club while Chandrapur Municipality pulled off a shock win over Biratnagar Metropolitan City.

Waling were able to put a break on Police’s fine run in the first leg, who were then second in the table, securing a 1-1 draw, and this time they got better thanks to their Cameroonian muscles.

The physically strong African recruits have been a key to their league campaign this season, and it paid off Sunday as well.

Metho Eludie Ruth broke the deadlock in the 58th minute at the ANFA Complex, following an error from Police defender Amrita Jaisi.

Waling defender Kiomenge Djomo Venessa Noelle launched an attack from mid-zone sending a high ball into the Police defending line which Jaisi recklessly gave away. The ball found Ruth, who then rocketed past advancing goalkeeper Sapani Rai for her ninth goal for the club.

“We were doing well… but a mistake from a defender cost us three points,” said Police coach Sanjeev Joshi.

It was also Ruth whose only goal was enough to hold Police in their first round clash on January 26, and her goal proved to be decisive again. Waling held onto the lead to inflict Police their second consecutive loss and third defeat of the season. Noelle was adjudged player of the match.

The defeat also denied Police an opportunity to topple Biratnagar to third in the league standings after the latter lost against Chandrapur earlier in the day thanks to a Rajani Thokar winner. Instead they drop to fifth with eight points. Waling have 11 points.

“It’s a much needed victory,” said Waling coach Dilip Thapa. “The win will certainly boost the confidence of our team.”

Only two points separate the departmental side from sixth placed Chandrapur who have six points after their second league win.

After a dull first hour, Chandrapur forward Sabita Rana Magar masterminded the attack cleverly finding Thokar into Biratnagar’s half.

Thokar quickly released Sunita Bholan to the right. Bholan then seized the moment, beat three defenders before setting up Thokar into the penalty area, who then shot over goalkeeper and captain Kalpana Karki to complete their revenge. In the first leg, they were thrashed 5-0 by Biratnagar.

“We played better today. We deserved the win,” said Chandrapur coach Nurraj Kafle. “I am happy we won.”

Biratnagar coach Paras Chaudhary said his team lost despite a good performance.

“We had chances in the first half, which we could not convert. Our target was to win but we failed,” said Chaudhary, whose side dropped
to fourth with 10 points after the defeat.

Leaders Armed Police Force Club will take on bottom club Chaudandigadhi Municipality in Monday’s only fixture.