Chandra Bhandari scored a hat-trick as Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Waling Municipality 8-0 at the ANFA Complex in Lalitpur on Tuesday that guaranteed them at least second position in the ANFA Women’s League.

Bimala BK and Amisha Karki scored a brace in their dominant display at Satdobato that gave Army 19 points from eight matches.

Army have already qualified for the Super League and will now aim to dethrone defending champions and leaders Armed Police Force Club from the top of the ten team standings when they take on already-eliminated Karnali Province in their final league match on Friday.

APF have 22 points and can progress to the Super League as table toppers if they defeat or draw against Bagmati Youth Club in their last first round match, also scheduled for Friday.

Bagmati beat Sankata 3-1 in the day’s other action to climb to sixth position that also boosted their hopes to reach the second round. However, they face a formidable challenge in their next fixture against a relentless APF.

Nepal Police Club, who have two games in hand, have also qualified for the second round with 15 points.

Despite the defeat, Waling occupy the fourth spot with 12 points and can ensure a top-five finish with a victory against Chandrapur on Thursday.

Koshi are fifth with a game in hand and are the most favoured side to progress because they have an easy match-up against tournament’s weakest side Supurpaschim, who are still winless and sit at the bottom.

For Sankata, Tuesday’s defeat against Bagmati is a big blow to their hopes of advancing to the next round. They must defeat Police and hope Koshi falter against Sudurpaschim to stand any chance of progressing.

Army are one of the strongest and clinical sides in the league and on Tuesday, they showed their intent for their maiden women’s league title, handing Waling their biggest defeat of the season.

Army went in front in the 38th minute when Waling goalkeeper Sanjina Majhi failed to make a routine save, allowing BK’s long-ranged strike to slip into the net.

Bhandari doubled Army’s lead in the 43rd minute, sending a low shot past advancing Majhi after Karki set her up.

Army went into the break 3-0 up, courtesy of an own goal from Fatumah Nakasumba, who put a corner from Hima Chaudhary into her own post.

Bhandari furthered Army’s lead in the 54th minute following a well-coordinated team effort, which was followed by Karki’s two goals in the 62nd and 71st minute, both assisted by Dipa Shahi.

Bhandari completed her hat-trick three minutes later, converting a pass from substitute Dikshya Gurung.

BK then netted her second and Army’s eighth goal in the 90th with a stunning long-range effort.

Sankata were looking to cap a dream season by reaching the second round in their league debut but Gifty Acheampong’s double and a late goal from Pushpa Kumari Khadka left them in the seventh position, three behind fifth-placed Koshi.

Senegalese Acheampong gave Bagmati the lead in the 68th minute with a brilliant volley and furthered the lead in the 76th minute with a solo effort.

Temilope Jeniffer Owoeye reduced the deficit in the 83rd minute with a powerful shot after Mamata Pun put her through.

Bagmati should have extended the lead to 3-0 when they were awarded a penalty in the first minute of stoppage time but their captain Divya Yasmali Magar missed it.

But Khadka put the result beyond doubt in dying seconds tapping in a cross from Gifty.