Manipur women capture fourth title

The match played under very weak floodlights and a full house, brought out the best in the two teams. This clash, a traditional one between the two, had little to differentiate between the two. In fact, had it not been for an early goalkeeping error, the game might well have gone into extra time.

Manipur, however, capitalised on this piece of fortune to hold off Bengal’s spirited attacks in the second half.

Manipur actually looked superior in the first half and played out their heart inspite of the vociferous support for Bengal from the crowd which almost spilled into the ground. The second half saw a complete reversal as Bengal came back ferociously and all but equalised. All goals were scored in the first half though the second half produced most of theexcitement.

Bengal had a stronger side on paper and the advantage of playing in their own backyard. However, it is to Manipur’s credit that they refused to be overawed by the situation and put their superior physique to good use.

Goalkeeping became a major factor in the outcome with Manipur’s Bonaswori Devi preferring to use her body on the wet ground while Bengal’s Ranjita Khan continuing to trust her moist hands. Khan did not quite learn from her mistake even after the fatal error.

The first goal surprised the scorer more than anyone else. It also put Manipur ahead in an unexpected manner. Wing-back Sobita Devi latched on to a stray ball and took an innocuous looking long-ranger. The ball came to the Bengal goal-keeper Ranjita Khan at chest height. The custodian, strangely, extended her arms. The ball bounced on her palms and went into the goal. It was the fifth minute of the game and Bengal could only blame themselves for the pressure they were under.

Manipur continued with their organised game,beating their opponents in speed. However, the game was never one-sided. Bengal too were getting their chances and even got close to the Manipur goal in the eighth minute. Sujata Kar’s cross from right found Sayanti Nandy perfectly placed to equalise.

However, Nandy fumbled on the wet ground and by the time Puspa Das prepared for another attempt, the Manipur defenders had nullified the move. Bengal got another chance in the 34th minute when Alpana Sil found her shot from the top of the six-yard box, being blocked by Sobita Devi.

A minute later, Manipur got their second goal through a swift counter-move. Tababi Devi ran down the right flank and crossed to an unchallenged S Rani Devi. The striker placed the ball in without any fuss.

At the stroke of half-time, Bengal reduced the margin with Sayanti Nandy scoring off a beautiful lob from Puspa Das from the left. The ball went right up to the low floodlights resulting in the Manipur defenders being completely blinded.

In the very first minute of thesecond half, Manipuri goalkeeper Binaswori Devi brought off an excellent save to deny Bengal the equaliser.