Manipur eves clinch 20th National Football Championship title

Having won each of the matches in the tournament so far, the eves of Manipur were firm favourites to clinch the title for the second time in a row. Both the teams started with a defensive approach in the game, but soon started to up the ante with the likes of Bala Devi and Kamala taking charge in the final third of their respective teams. 

Manipur’s Daya Devi got an opportunity to convert in the second minute of the match but Railways’ custodian averted the danger. Mamta and Sanju kept on hurling attacks for Railways and could have taken the lead in the 10th minute but missed the ball was shy of the target.

It was Manipur who made the difference in the second half of match. Their captain, Bala Devi struck the winner in the 67th minute of the match to guide her team to a memorable victory. In spite of late scare from Railways, Manipur held on to the lead and claimed the championship.