Lalitpur, May 2

Nepal Police Club (NPC) defended the Women’s National Football League title with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eastern Region on the final day of the Super League at the ANFA Complex grounds here on Monday.

All three departmental teams — NPC, Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal APF Club — were tied on six points. NPC finished first on the basis of results between the teams concerned and the goal difference. This was NPC’s third straight title. TAC finished second, while APF came third ahead of Eastern Region,

who failed to open their account in Super League. With the win, NPC bagged Rs 200,000, while TAC received Rs 100,000.

Niru Thapa scored a brace for NPC, while Hina Rana netted one for Eastern. Thapa provided lead to NPC in the sixth minute in her solo effort, while Rana brought Eastern back into the match with an equaliser in the 70th minute. There was cheer in the APF camp as they would have lifted the title if the match had ended in a draw. But Thapa dashed their hopes with a goal in the 85th minute from the spot. NPC earned the penalty after Eastern defender handled the ball inside the box.

NPC coach Sandesh Shrestha was happy with the title. “I am happy to complete the hat-trick. It was a hard-fought win as we were under pressure and the players could not hold the game,” added Shrestha.

Lila Lamgade of TAC received the best goalie award, while Anita Basnet and Sabitra Bhandari of APF were named the best midfielder and forward respectively. Ghim Kumari Gurung of NPC was adjudged the best defender and Sandesh Shrestha of NPC received the best coach’s award. All five individuals received Rs 25,000 each.