A spirited Manipur team is determined to continue its dominance even as Tamil Nadu will look for its maiden title in the 23rd Senior Women’s National Football Championship in Cuttack to be played on Wednesday.
Earlier, Manipur beat a formidable Railways side 2-1 on Monday to book a summit clash showdown against Tamil Nadu.
Star striker Bala Devi struck twice, in the 13th and 85th minutes to score for Manipur while Kamala Devi of the Railways scored the solitary goal for her team in the 14th minute in the second semi-final match played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Both the teams played aggressively from the beginning, exchanging quick passes and timely interceptions in an exciting display of teamwork.
Manipur struck first when Railways keeper Samal failed to hold on to Bala’s powerful shot in the 13th minute.
Railways struck back almost immediately with Kamala Devi to score the equalizer in the 14th minute.
The second half witnessed both the teams looking for the match-winner but a well-coordinated effort by the Manipuri players gave Bala Devi the golden opportunity to score the winning goal in the in the 85th minute.
In the first semi-final played on February 7, Tamil Nadu humiliated West Bengal by a margin of 4-1 goals.