AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI: After National Championships disappointment, Manipur are back on track in women’s football.

Considered the powerhouse of women’s football, Manipur’s early exit from the National championships earlier this year came as a surprise to the fans. But, on Friday, November 3, 2023, Manipur couldn’t be stopped anymore as they reached the final of the Women’s Football event in the 37^th National Games at the expense of Haryana.

In the final, to be played on Sunday, Manipur will take on Odisha, who got the better of Bengal in the other semi-finals. Both the penultimate round matches were extended to tie-breakers as 90 minutes of intense battles failed to break the deadlock.

While Odisha beat Bengal 5-4 on penalties after a goalless draw, Manipur got the better of Haryana 3-2 as the regulation time scores remained 1-1. Sanju Yadav put Haryana in the lead, but Moirangthem Ambika Devi restored parity for Manipur.

Services, Punjab men in semi-finals

At Fatorda, Services and Punjab entered the last four from Group A in the Men’s Football event. The two were left in the same group are hosts Goa Santosh Trophy champions Karnataka.

Goa’s exit was confirmed when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Punjab, who led 1-0 at half time thanks to a Gurmeet Chand goal. Goa equalised through Joshua D’Silva.

Services made the grade when they edged Karnataka by a solitary goal scored by Bikash Thapa during the closing stages of the match.