Nisha Sunar struck a hat-trick to steer Nepal Police Club (NPC) to a 3-1 win over Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Club during the super league stage of the Women’s National League here at the Anfa complex on Thursday.

The result meant all three departmental teams—NPC, APF and Tribhuvan Army Club—are tied at three points. TAC, however, lead the four-team league standings on the basis of the results between the teams concerned. Police are in second and APF third. Eastern Region are bottom of the table without any points so far.

Anu Lama had provided the APF an eight minute lead only for Sunar to steal the show with a remarkable three goals. Sunar levelled the scores in the 45th minute before adding two more goals in the space of three minutes after the break. She made it 2-1 in the 51st minute and ensured NPC walk away with all three points with yet another goal in the 53rd minute.

NPC coach Sandesh Shrestha said the victory was a huge boost for his side. “The game was very competitive and I am happy that we fought back after conceding an early goal. Shrestha heaped praise on Sunar for her wonderful showing, adding that their title run now largely depend on their next matches against APF and TAC.

The APF coach Nar Kumar Rai blamed negligence of their players for the defeat. “Our players took opponents lightly after taking an early lead, which ultimately turned out to be costly for us,” said the APF coach.