The Goan Network
MARGAO
Strong contenders Manipur tore into Jharkhand with a 6-0 demolition in a Group I League tie in the Junior National Under 18 Girl's Football Championship at Panchayat Grounds, Raia on Wednesday. Maniupr led 5-0 at the break.
Manipur who had encouraging results in the championship as favourites lived up of their top billing as Kashmina scored three goals that left Jharkhand bleeding. H Daya Devi scored twice and Premi Chiru addded their names to the impressive scorer list.
Manipur were favoured to win the match. Kashmina was the star of the match right from the word go as she opened the scoring in the 14th minute when she outwitted a couple of defenders and slotted past the rival goalkeeper with a snap shot. A minute later, H Daya Devi made it 2-0 when she bulged the net. Manipur played without their scoring machine N Ratanbala Devi due to injury as her absence did not affect Manipur's rampaging forwards. H Daya Devi got her second goal and team's third goal in the 30th minute when she deceived her markers and beat the rival goalkeeper with neat finish.Five minutes later Kashmina struck second time to complete her brace. Any thoughts that Manipur would relax were wiped away when Premi Chiru added her name on the scorers' sheet this time with Kashmina turning out to be the provider with a measured ball at the stroke of lemon-break.
The second half did not bring any relief to the sagging morale of Jharkhand as they attacked from both the flanks. Kashmina scored her third goal, with a stunning shot. With this win, Manipur virtually assured themselves of a berth in the semi-final.
In another match, at Rosary grounds, Navelim, Bihar showed great understanding to crush Maharashtra 4-2. Bihar led 2-0 at half time. The highlight of the day was a brilliant brace each from Tara Khatoon and Archana Kumari. They pushed their forwards for an opening, continuing to control possession. Their pressure finally paid off when Tara Khatoon unleashed a stiff shot that crashed into the net. Spurred by the succes, Bihar upped the ante and in the 35th minute, Tara Khatton doubled the lead when she beat the rival goalkeeper with a clinicial finish.
The pattern of the match was the same in the second half with Maharashtra doing most of the attacking.
Bihar were on the back foot for a long period. Maharashtra broke the Bihar resistance in the 50th minute when striker Akansha Kandalkar reduced the margin. The equalizer boosted the morale of Maharashtra players as they mounted pressure on the rival goal and rocked the citadel again in the 68th minute when she equalized off a stiff grounder.
Stung by the equaliser, Bihar went into attacking mode and took control of the proceedings when Archana Kumari who pressed for action made it 3-2 in the 79th minute. Archana Kumari struck second time to seal the rival fate in the 85th minute when she punished the rival goalkeeper with a booming shot. Maharashtra went all out in searach of goals but failed to beat the rival rearguard. With this win, Bihar were virtually assured of a place in the final four.
Scorebox Manipur 6 Kashmina (13,35, 78), H Daya Devi (14, 30) & Premi Chiru (45)
beat Jharkhand 0; Bihar 4 Tara Khatoon (32, 35), Archana Kumari (79, 85) beat Maharashtra 2 Akanksha Kandalkar (50,68)
Playing today
Odisha v Goa, Rosary Sports Complex, Navelim, 7.30am
Mizoram v Delhi, Raia Panchayat grounds, Raia,7.30am
