Manipur successfully defended their Senior Women’s National Football Championship crown after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Railways in the final at the EMS Stadium in Kozhikode on Thursday, December 9, 2021.
After regulation and a lack of opportunities to score in extra time, the match went 0–0 on penalties. Manipur goalkeeper Okram Roshni Devi made three saves to give her team their 21st title at this level.
It was also a special moment for Manipur coach Oinam Bembem Devi, who won the national women’s title as a player. “I am very happy to associate this title with a title I have won as a sportsperson. The girls played really well and I am proud that they have successfully defended this title.”
Manipur dominated the game throughout, but could not break the defense of the Railways who maintained their shape and discipline. The lack of penetration resulted in a series of long-range attempts from the North East side, which did not bother opposition goalkeeper Swarnmayee Samal.
Samal almost gifted him the winning goal in the 90th minute after mistaking Cross’ flight, but his defense was to take him out.
As the game went into extra time, the physical load on the players began to show. Both sides went through a tie-breaker in the semi-finals to reach this stage, and fatigue began to play a big role as players went down with cramps and muscle injuries.
In the penalty shootout, the two sides were tied after one miss, one goal and one save in a third-place kick. Roshni Devi then made two more fine defenses and winger Yangoijam Kiranbala Devi scored a crucial fourth penalty to turn Manipur’s favour.
individual award
Best Goalkeeper (Rs 25,000): Okram Roshni Devi (Manipur)
Top goal-scorers (Rs 25,000): Sandhya Ranganathan (Tamil Nadu)
Most Valuable Player (Rs 25,000): Irom Prameshwori Devi (Manipur)
Champions: Manipur
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