A self-goal cost Odisha dear as they finished runners-up in the Sub-junior Girls National Football Championship (Tier-2), losing the final match 1-2 against hosts Madhya Pradesh at Dr Rajendra Prasad Stadium in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh today. After conceding a 2-0 lead, Odisha reduced the margin with a goal by their defender Khundongbam Ambalika.
Earlier in the semifinals, Odisha defeated Kerala 3-1. Odisha qualified for the semifinals, winning both of their league matches in Group-D. They beat Telangana 4-1 and Rajasthan 5-2. Captain Ritu Badaik and Kamini Malik were outsatanding performers for Odisha, scoring four goals each, including one hat-trick.
ODISHA SUB-JUNIOR GIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM:
Goalkeepers: Kamal Krishna (Sports Hostel Bhubaneswar), Barsha Priyadarshini Jena (Puri).
Defenders: Reshma Majhi (Sundargarh), Barsharani Patra (Puri), Puja Oram (Keonjhar), Khundongbam Ambalika, Riya Ghosh (both Nita Football Academy), Lipsa Naik (Cuttack), Saumya Maurya (SAI-STC Cuttack).
Mid-fielders: Kamini Malik (Kendrapara), Subhashree Khadia (Deogarh), Bimala Behera (Puri), Abhilipsa Das (Sports Hostel Bhubaneswar), Niruta Baraghare (Jharsuguda), Kabita Minj (Sundargarh).
Forwards: Pallavi Tirkey, Ritu Badaik (both Sundargarh), Pritee Sasmal (Cuttack), Pinky Biswal (Dhenkanal), Lipi Kishan (Jharsuguda), Laxmi Rani Kerai (Jajpur).
Coaches & Support Staff: Sanjeev Patsani (Head Coach), Sushanta Kumar Malick (Assistant Coach), Sasmita Sahoo (Assistant Coach-cum-Manager), Amna Ubaid (Physio).
ODISHA RESULTS:
9 September 2024 (League match): Odisha (Laxmi Rani Kerai 11, Ritu Badaik 32, 55, 86) beat Telangana (Ananya K Bhattacharjee 76) 4-1. PoM: Ritu Badaik.
11 September 2024 (League match): Odisha (Kamini Malik 11, 48, 73, Ritu Badaik 22, Khundongbam Ambalika 90+2) beat Rajasthan (Krishna Jat 37, Dipika 39) 5-2.
15 September 2024 (Semifinal): Odisha (Kamini Malik 13, Theertha A 29-OG, Lipi Kishan 32) beat Kerala (Ashika Merlin 66) 3-1. PoM: Nandha V (Kerala).
17 September 2024 (Final): Odisha (Khundongbam Ambalika 69) lost to Madhya Pradesh (Puja Oram 12-OG, Somni Dhurwey 33) 1-2. PoM: Somni Dhurwey.