AIFF Media Team

ANANTAPUR, ANDHRA PRADESH: Manipur successfully defended their Junior Girls' National Football Championship Tier 1 title after beating Jharkhand 2-0 in the final at the RDT Stadium in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Despite being reduced to 10 players after centre-back Sarangthem Alena Devi's red card as early as the 18th minute, Manipur rode on goals from Lourembam Menaka Devi and Remi Thokchom on either side of half-time to win their record-extending 11th Junior Girls' NFC trophy. For Jharkhand, it was their second runners-up finish, after losing to Himachal Pradesh in the 2019-20 final.

The opening goal came in the 36th minute when Longjam Nira Chanu found Menaka with a through ball. The India U19 international dribbled past two defenders before beating goalkeeper Surajmuni Kumari in a one-on-one situation.

Menaka then turned provider for the second goal as she smartly picked out substitute and fellow India U19 teammate Remi Thokchom's run between the Jharkhand centre-backs. Remi poked the ball past Surajmuni to make it 2-0 for Manipur.

Jharkhand XI: Surajmuni Kumari (GK), Rina Toppo, Elizabed Lakra, Viksit Bara, Alka Indwar, Divyani Linda, Anushka Kumari (C), Shaulina Dang, Elijabed Ekka, Reena Kumari, Anamika Sanga (Swati Khoya 46').

Manipur XI: Sharubam Anika Devi (GK), Tabitha Khaidem, Yumlembam Sagarika Chanu, Nameirakpam Arina Devi (C), Longjam Nira Chanu, Lourembam Menaka Devi (Aganina Wahengbam 90+3'), Chingakham Alina, Sarangthem Alena Devi, Konthoujam Helena Devi (Remi Thokchom 15'), Sorokhaibam Lakhipiyari Devi (Phanjoubam Abema Devi 46'), Ningthoujam Olivia Chanu.