NEW DELHI: In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 22-time champions Manipur and Odisha have advanced to the final of the 29th Senior Women’s National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy.
The summit clash will take place in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday.
Manipur secured their place in the final with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bengal in the semifinals on Saturday.
After a goalless first half, Manipur came alive in the second, with Dangmei Grace breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute.
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Two minutes later, Naorem Priyangka Devi doubled the lead, and Hemam Shikly Devi sealed the win with a goal in the 78th minute.
Odisha, who previously won the championship in the 2010-11 season, showcased their prowess by defeating last year’s runners-up Haryana 2-0.
Pyari Xaxa was the star for Odisha, scoring in the 10th and 88th minutes to propel her team into their seventh final appearance.
This highly anticipated final will be a repeat of the 2018-19 showdown, where Manipur narrowly edged out Odisha with a 2-1 victory.
With both teams in excellent form, football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting another electrifying contest to determine the champions of this prestigious tournament.
