New Delhi: Railways football team ousted Mizoram by 6-5 in the first semi-finals of the Senior Women’s National Football Championship (NFC) 2021 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, Kerala, on Tuesday.
Both teams began on a defensive safety approach, and though Mizoram player Esther Hmingthansangi got a close-range free-kick at the 36th minute, she committed a foul. Despite strong defenses, the teams failed to bank on multiple scoring opportunities in the 1st half.
The next half began with both teams trying different tactics to breach their opponent.
Railways player Manisha scored a first for the team, as Mizo player Lalnunsiami gained an extra time with a back injury in the 70th minute. The incident set the team’s tone. Manisha went on to score another for the team.
The Railways soon dominated the match as they achieved back-to-back goals. However, Mizoram had a fierce comeback through Siami, who gained free scoring point at the last minute.
The match was pushed into a tie-breaker as the Mizoram team instantly equalized the score. However, a flawless shot by Railways secured their spot in the finals.
Though Grace Lalrampari and Vanlalhmangahzuali missed their shots, Suprava Samal became the only Railways player to miss a goal.
(Avya Mathur)