Football

Armed Police Force (APF) and Gandaki Province picked up three points after opening victories in the women’s football competition under the ninth National Games on Friday.

The Group C matches played in Waling saw APF pulverise Province 1 7-1 in the opening game, and Gandaki Pradesh score 3-0 win over Karnali Province.

Sabitri gave APF a lead in the 22nd minute but two minutes later Anjana Thulung Rai equalised for Province 1. The two sides were on an even keel until the 35th minute, with the score tied at 1-1.

Bhandari then took matters into her own, scoring two more goals in the 40th and 45th minutes for a 3-1 lead at half time. She scored another hat-trick in the second half and Anita KC netted one to complete a comprehensive APF victory.

Gandaki Pradesh put three unanswered goals past Karnali Province on the back of Udahaya Thapa’s brace.

Shanti Nepal opened the scoring for Gandaki in the 33rd minute to lead 1-0 at the break. Thapa added to Karnali’s misery with goals in the 58th and 66th minutes.

APF are level on three points with Gandaki, but the former lead the Group C table on goal difference.

All four teams will be in action again on Saturday, with APF facing Karnali and Gandaki taking on Province 1.