By Sachit Subba • Football • Dec 14, 2025 11:52 AM • 36 views
KATHMANDU: Nepal APF Club secured a 1-0 win over Karachi City FC in the SAFF Women’s Club Championship at Dasharath Stadium on Sunday, bringing them closer to the tournament final. However, the team’s performance has led to concerns about their intensity and the state of Nepali football.
The match stayed scoreless until the 52nd minute, when striker Rashmi Kumari Ghising scored after receiving a well-placed pass from midfielder Renuka Nagarkote. Ghising was well positioned in the penalty box and headed the cross from the right past the goalkeeper.
This win eliminates Karachi City from title contention and puts APF in a strong position to reach the final.
The close score is unexpected given APF’s strong record in domestic football. The team has won the last four ANFA Women’s League titles and remained unbeaten for four seasons (2017-18, 2021, 2022, and 2024).
They dominated on their way to this championship, winning every match in 2021 and 2022 and leading the 2024 table with 8 wins and 1 draw. But this strong form has not translated as easily to the sub-continental level.
A National Team in Disguise?
One of the key talking points was APF’s starting lineup. On Sunday, the team fielded the same players as the Nepal National Team that recently played against Chinese Taipei and Indonesia. The team was basically the national squad; many expected a strong performance. Instead, they struggled to break down the Pakistani club team.
Even though they got the win, their style of play is a real concern. The usual “Nepali aggressiveness,” known for high pressing and nonstop energy from the national team, was missing. With international experience, a team with so much experience should be able to control a club match. If APF, with the country’s top players, struggles in regional tournaments, it could be a warning for the national team’s chances in bigger competitions. Main fixtures as they aim to lift the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship trophy. However, questions regarding their form remain unanswered.
