Odisha qualified for the final round of the 28th Senior Women National Football Championship by winning all of their four matches in the Group-E competition, which was held at Sundargarh Stadium in Sundargarh, Odisha from 12 to 21 November 2023.
In their fourth and last league match, host Odisha beat Gujarat 2-0 today. Malati Munda and Jasoda Munda scored the two goals for the home team. Earlier in their first three matches, Odisha defeated Meghalaya 3-1, Arunachal Pradesh 4-3 and Gujarat 6-0.
The Group-E competition was organised by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Govt of Odisha and Football Association of Odisha (FAO), with the support of District Athletic Association Sundargarh. A total of five states competed in Group E, which featured a total 10 matches. FAO fielded a 22-member Odisha team in this championship.
ODISHA SENIOR WOMEN FOOTBALL TEAM:
Goalkeepers: Spandita Das, Sakro Hembram, Manju Ganjhu.
Defenders: Susmita Tanty, Ambruta Nayak, Pragyan Kishan, Shibani Mundari, Pipili Mohanty, Subhasini Saha, Juli Kishan.
Mid-fielders: Sumitra Hembram, Bannya Kabiraj, Krishna Barick, Jyotsna Mundary, Janhabi Kishan.
Forwards: Jasoda Munda, Pyari Xaxa (Captain), Deepa Nayak, Malati Munda, Manisha Naik, Satyabati Khadia, Sonia Ekka.
Head Coach: Crispin Chhetri, Assistant Coach: Sradhanjali Samantaray, Manager: Gomati Bara.
ODISHA RESULTS:
November 12: Odisha (Deepa Nayak 32, 53, Malati Munda 35) beat Meghalaya (Sunalinda Iawren 51) 3-1. PoM: Bannya Kabiraj (Odisha).
November 14: Odisha (Malati Munda 3, 58, 82, Bannya Kabiraj 12-P) beat Arunachal Pradesh (Yumlam Lali 37, Kai Rumi 67, 79) 4-3. PoM: Malati Munda.
November 19: Odisha (Jasoda Munda 15, Sumitra Hembram 25,78, Manisha Naik 37, 62, Deepa Nayak 71) beat Gujarat 6-0. PoM: Sumitra Hembram.
November 21: Odisha (Malati Munda 2, Jasoda Munda 32) beat Goa 2-0. PoM: Susmita Tanty (Odisha).
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PHOTO: Starting line-up of the Odisha team poses before its opening match against Meghalaya in Sundargarh on 12 November 2023.