KOLKATA: It was a mix of youth and experience as an indomitable Manipur claimed their 22nd Senior Women’s National Football Championship for
Rajmata Jijabai Trophy
by beating Haryana 2-0 at the
Kishore Bharati Krirangan
on Wednesday.
Veteran Bala Devi made up for a penalty miss by earning the champions lead in the 68th minute and 17-year-old
Sibani Devi
broke the gallant Haryana side’s spirits in the 83rd by doubling it.
Both goals, however, came after Haryana were reduced to 10 players as Samiksha was sent off for a foul on
Dangmei Grace
just three minutes before Manipur’s opening goal in the final.
Manipur started the more potent of the sides with their gameplan centred around mercurial striker Bala, who hit the net 17 times in 10 appearances this season.
But they were met with the determination of Haryana even as they came close to scoring through Bala, Grace and Sibani.
Eager to script another title win, Manipur came back stronger in the second half. Roja and Grace had their respective efforts saved and Haryana’s 17-year-old winger Neha produced the best chance of the game for them and a magnificent save from
Lintoingambi Devi
.
Grace broke free in the 65th minute and was pulled back by Samiksha as referee Ruba Devi awarded Manipur a penalty. Haryana skipper Shreya Hooda stepped up against rival captain Bala as she made a double save to keep the scores level.
However, Manipur took advantage of the sendoff just three minutes later from a Roja through to Bala inside the box, who slotted it into the bottom corner.
Haryana tried to get back into the game but it was an unsure touch by Kajal as Sibani did well to control the stray ball and blast it home.
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