New Delhi: The Manipur football team defeated Odisha by 4-1 in the second semi-finals of the Senior Women’s National Football Championship (NFC) 2021 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, on Tuesday.
The match began slow-paced as both teams tested their opponents and kept tugging the ball away. Manipur’s Papki Devi shot her net and gave a 0-1 early lead to Odisha in the 11th minute. The match became intense as defense and swift footwork from Odisha prevented the ball from venturing near the goalpost.
When Odisha thought it won the first half, Kiranbala Chanu of Manipur braced during the final minutes to smash a corner and equalized the score by 1-1.
The second half was intense, as strong defenses from both teams prevented goals. Jasoda Munda of Odisha received a free-kick at the 67th minute, but sent the ball running over the crossbar.
Though Deepa Nayak tried to capitalize on the opportunity after receiving the ball, Manipur goalkeeper Roshini Devi saved the shot.
After being stuck in a tie for 90 minutes, the match saw an extra time of 30 minutes before the penalty shootouts were declared.
Though Odisha exerted immense pressure on the Northeastern team, Manipur’s Babysana Devi, Roja Devi, and Sultana MS netted their shots to secure a spot in the finals.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s Jasoda Munda, Subhadra Sahu, and Suman Pragyana Mohapatra failed to score in the penalty shootouts.
Manipur will face the Railways in the Senior Women’s NFC 2021 finals.
(Avya Mathur)
