Lalitpur, December 31

Nepal Police Club and Far-western Region recorded victories in Group A matches of the 16th National Women’s League under the NSC Championship here at the ANFA Complex grounds today.

NPC thrashed Central Region 6-2, while Far-west saw off Eastern Region 4-0 in the inaugural day matches.

In the day’s first match, Nirmala BK scored four goals alone, while skipper Ghim Kumari Gurung and Amrita Jaisi netted one each for NPC. Sabita Rana Magar and Mithila Kuswar replied for Central.

BK opened the scoring for NPC in the 11th minute and doubled the tally two minutes later, while Jaisi made it 3-0 in 19th minute. Central’s Magar cut the deficit in the 26th minute but BK completed her hat-trick in the 36th minute to restore the three-goal cushion. BK then netted her fourth and team’s fifth goal in the 49th minute.

NPC’s Gurung extended the lead when she converted from the spot in the 72nd minute before Central’s Kuswar pulled one back in the 79th minute.

NPC coach Sanjeev Joshi was happy with the victory. “Although we scored six goals against Central Region, it does not mean that they are weak. Central’s players have a strong bonding,” added Joshi.

Central Region coach Noor Raj Kafle said he was satisfied with the team’s performance despite the defeat. “Scoring against a strong team like NPC is a kind of encouragement for us and I am satisfied with the girls’ performance,” said Kafle.

In another match, Far-western defeated Eastern Region riding on a brace each from Chandra Bhandari and Sirsha Karki. Far-western took an early lead when Bhandari found the back of the nets in the ninth minute and she doubled the tally in the 37th minute. After the interval, Karki made it 3-0 in the 82nd minute and added another in the 89th minute.

On Monday, Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Western Region, while Nepal APF Club will face Mid-western Region in Group B matches.