Nepal Police Club Wins First Ever Women’s Gold Cup, Defeats Army in Penalty Shootout
Summary
- Nepal Police Club secured the title of the inaugural Pokhara Women’s Gold Cup by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club 5–4 in a penalty shootout.
- The Police team received a prize of NPR 500,000 for the championship, while the runners-up Army Club earned NPR 300,000.
- The match ended goalless during regulation time, with Nepal Police’s Samiksha Ghimire being declared Player of the Match.
April 20, Kathmandu – Nepal Police Club emerged victorious in the final of the inaugural Pokhara Women’s Gold Cup, organized by RS Pokhara Football Club. In the final held in Pokhara, Nepal Police defeated the Tribhuvan Army Club 5–4 in penalties despite Army playing with only 10 players.
With this first-ever women’s Gold Cup title held in Pokhara, Nepal Police also received a prize money of NPR 500,000. The runner-up Tribhuvan Army Club was awarded NPR 300,000.
The scheduled match ended in a goalless draw during regulation time. Army was reduced to 10 players in the first half but managed to hold Police to a scoreless stalemate.
Army’s reduction to 10 players occurred in the 27th minute when Police’s Nirmala Bik advanced the ball and was fouled near the box by Army defender Bimala Bik, who received a red card and was sent off.
In the 37th minute, Samiksha Ghimire of Nepal Police made a crucial save. She cleared Hima Chaudhary’s cross right in front of the goal line. The first half ended without any goals.
At the 63rd minute, Army goalkeeper Kopila Khadka made an excellent save from Rekha Paudel’s powerful shot and also blocked a follow-up attempt by Anushka Sherpa. Then, at the 69th minute, Rekha’s shot went just wide near the crossbar.
In the 75th minute, Niruta Thapa’s header from a corner kick by Rekha Paudel also narrowly missed the target near the crossbar. At the 80th minute, Kopila prevented another attempt by Anushka.
The 81st minute saw Army’s Chandra Bhandari’s shot saved by Nepal Police’s Usha Nath. Later, in the 88th minute, Army missed a golden opportunity when Hima’s shot during Chandra’s pass flew over the goal.
Samiksha Ghimire was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
In the individual awards, Nepal Police also dominated. Nirmala Bik was declared the Best Player of the tournament and awarded NPR 30,000, while Usha Nath won the Best Goalkeeper trophy.
Rekha Paudel received the Top Scorer award with a tally of five goals, including all five scored in the first match against the host team.
Both the Best Player and Best Goalkeeper received NPR 15,000 as prize money. The Most Disciplined Team award was given to RS Pokhara Football Club.
The tournament lasted three days and featured four teams: Nepal Police, Tribhuvan Army, Sankata, and the organizing RS Pokhara Football Club.
