APF Club to Compete in First Edition of AFC Women's Champions League: A Tough Road Ahead

Nepal's Armed Police Force (APF) Club women's team is set to embark on a challenging journey as they compete in the inaugural edition of the AFC Women's Champions League this October. Having qualified through Nepal's domestic women's league, APF faces a formidable group stage challenge against Uzbekistan's PFC NASAF and Malaysia's Sabah FA.

Challenging Group Stage Awaits APF Club

APF Club, the champions of Nepal's domestic women's league, finds themselves in a difficult group alongside Uzbekistan Women's League champions PFC NASF and Malaysia Women's League winners Sabah FA. According to the AFC club rankings, only 8 out of 21 Asian women's champion clubs will directly enter the group stage. The remaining 13 teams, including Nepal, must navigate the preliminary qualifying stage, divided into four groups.

Preliminary Round Battle in Malaysia

In the preliminary round, APF will compete in Group A with Chinese club Wuhan Jiangda, Korean club Red Angels, and the winner of Group A. The preliminary stage matches will be centralized in Malaysia, where APF will face PFC NASF on August 25 and Sabah FA on August 28. Only the top team from each group will advance to join the 8 direct entrant clubs in the group stage.


Star-Studded APF Women's Team Begins Training

Under the guidance of head coach Rajendra Tamang, who also serves as the national team head coach, and goalkeeper coach Vinod Dangol, the APF women's team has commenced rigorous training. The squad boasts a majority of senior national team players, including captain and goalkeeper Anjila Tumbappo Subba, Sabitra Bhandari, Anita Basnet, Preeti Rai, Geeta Rana, Saru Limbu, Renuka Nagarkote, Manjali Kumari Yonjan, Sabita Rana Magar, Nisha Thokar, Hirakumari Bhujel, Anita KC, and others. Anu Lama will lead the team as captain.

Strategic Signings Bolster APF Squad

To strengthen their lineup, APF has signed forward Sabitra Bhandari Samba on loan from French league club EA Guingam. Additionally, Rashmi Kumari Ghising from Tribhuvan Army Club has been brought in as her substitute. These strategic signings aim to enhance the team's competitive edge as they prepare for the prestigious tournament.

A Learning Opportunity and Exposure for APF

Having recently participated in the WAF Women's Championship in Saudi Arabia last February, the AFC Women's Champions League presents a significant opportunity for the APF women's team to gain valuable experience and exposure. Competing against some of Asia's best clubs and players will serve as crucial preparation for the SAFF Championship scheduled for October. The tournament promises to be a fruitful learning experience for the players, providing them with the chance to develop their skills on an international stage.

As APF Club gears up for their historic participation in the AFC Women's Champions League, the team remains focused and determined to make a mark in the competition.

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