Panaji, Nov 6: Odisha became the 37th National Games Women’s Football champions, when they defeated mighty Manipur in the tie-breakers at Tilak Maidan here in Goa.
The tie-breakers were applied after the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation period on Sunday. Odisha had the last laugh in penalties winning 4-2. This is the second time Odisha have won the National Games
After a goalless first half, Odisha international Pyari Xaxa put Odisha in the lead in the 51st minute. However, Manipur restored parity in the 79th minute through Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi.
In the tie-breakers, Pyari Xaxa, Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Bannya Kabiraj and S Lynda Kom scored the goals in the first four penalties. Manipur found the target through Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi and Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi.
In the bronze medal match, Haryana edged Bengal 1-0 with Tannu scoring the all-important goal in the 36th minute.
Odisha: Spandita Das (Manju Ganjhu, 90’); Juli Kishan, Jabamani Tudu, Arifa Zaheer (Mamata Patra, 51’) (Pragya Kishan, 90’), Supriya Routray; Munica Minz (S Lynda Kom, 46’), Jasoda Munda, Grace Lalrampari Hauhnar, Bannya Kabiraj, Malati Munda (Manisha Naik, 84’); Pyari Xaxa.
Manipur: Maibam Linthoingambi Devi; Yumlembam Pakpi Devi, Wangkhem Linthoingambi Devi, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi, Shanglakpam Bani Sharma; Irom Prameshwori Devi, Nongmeikapam Sibani Devi, Toijam Thoibisana Chanu (Loktongbam Sheila Devi, 36’) (Chingangb Binomala, 77’); Salam Rinaroy Devi (Laishram Babita Devi, 77’), Moirangthem Ambika Devi (Oinam Babita Devi, 36’), Lisham Babina Devi.
