the goan I network
DULER
Manipur huffed and puffed as they got the better of Mizoram 2-1 to enter the finals of Junior Girls National Football Championship at Duler grounds, here on Wednesday. Manipur will take on Tamil Nadu in the finals on August 31 at 11.00am.
The first 20 minutes of the match was restricted to midfield. Finally in the 21st minute, Mizoram surged ahead where a 25-yard shot by Lalnun Siami saw Manipur goalkeeper Shijagurumayum Monika Devi fumbled in her collection to see Lal Rinzuali toe the ball home.
Down by a goal, Manipur eves came with series of raids on the rival territory. However, Mizoram goalkeeper Hmingthan Sangi brought off two brilliant saves to deny Thingbaijam Babysana Devi and Sarita Yumnam from scoring. A couple of minutes before the breather another chance went in vain for Manipur when Phijam Sanathokpi Devi hit the Mizoram post.
On crossing over, the Manipur colts time and again attacked the rival citadel where their efforts were finally rewarded when in the 66th minute Phijam’s strike from close, was blocked by keeper Hmingthan. However, Phijam scored the equaliser off the rebound. With the match deadlocked 1-1, extra-time of 30 minutes was played.
In the 107th minute, Mizoram goalkeeper Hmingthan brought off back to back saves to block Thingbaijam and Phijam shots from close. But soon after, the keeper could do little to stop striker Phijam’s stinging shot from entering the goal.
Earlier in the first semi-finals, favourites Tamil Nadu trounced IFA (West Bengal), 4-0. Iswarya S opened the account in the 13th minute with Mariyammal B doubling the lead just before the breather. On crossing over, Minnoliya S netted the third goal. Rani Bhowmick scored a self goal.
