By Joseph Solomon,
AIFF Media Team
JABALPUR: Defending Champions and 18 times Winners Manipur will lock horns against Railways in the Finals of the 21st Senior National Women’s Football Championship at the Railways Ground in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on January 15, 2016. The kick-off for which is at 2:30 PM IST.
Both sides displayed Footballing strengths in their respective semi-finals clashes and while Manipur defeated Haryana 4-2, Railways thrashed Odisha 4-0, touting the Finals to be an enticing affair between two of the best Teams of the Tournament.
Talking exclusively to www.the-aiff.com, AIFF Player of The Year 2015, Bala Devi believes that, “Railways will be a tough challenge for us (Manipur)”
“They (Railways) are an organized side and we will have to remain focused throughout the course of the 90 minutes, if we have to win the Finals. It will not be an easy task”, she adds.
In tune with Bala, the legendary Bembem Devi states, “They (Railways) have decent forwards that can really hurt our defence line, if we switch-off at any moment in the match”
“However, we believe in ourselves and will give our all on the pitch come Matchday”
“These are the moments that you live for as a Player and it does not get any bigger than this”, Bembem adds.
Meanwhile the Railways camp is also apprehensive of the Manipuri challenge it faces. “Manipur have always been one of the best State Teams in the Country and it was no surprise for us that they got into the Finals”, informs Sasmita Malik.
“Defeating them (Manipur) in the Finals and breaking their legacy is something we look forward too. But for that we must remain at the top of our game in the Finals”, explains Ashalata Devi.
When inquired about the possible duel between her and Bala Devi in the Finals, Ashalata opined, “Bala is a top Player when it comes to Women’s Football in India. Her scoring rate is a statement of her abilities”
“It will be a personal challenge for me to stop her from scoring tomorrow and I look forward to the clash”, she concludes.
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