Dr. T. Ao Jr. Girls National: UP storms into final with 3-0 win over Assam

More than 1000 spectators thronged the Chümoukedima Football Stadium on Monday to witness the high-stakes semi-final clash between Uttar Pradesh, donning their traditional yellow and green, and Assam in white, at the Dr. T. Ao National Junior Girls Football Championship (Tier-2).
The match began at a frenetic pace, with both sides pushing forward aggressively in pursuit of a coveted spot in the final. Uttar Pradesh created the first real threat through a swift move down the left flank, but the attempt brushed the side netting.
Assam responded with determination, registering several shots on target and forcing UP’s backline into early defensive action.
Despite multiple openings, both teams squandered goal-scoring chances in the first 20 minutes, reflecting the pressure of the knockout stage.
UP eventually broke the deadlock in the 26th minute through Anjali Yadav (3), who capitalised on a defensive lapse.
Minutes later, Assam equalized from a well-placed free kick, but the UP goalkeeper rose to the challenge with a clean save.
UP continued to press hard and came close again in the 33rd minute, but a critical defensive touch diverted the ball straight into the Assam keeper’s hands.
Their sustained pressure finally paid off in the 38th minute when Divya (7) doubled the lead with a composed finish, giving Uttar Pradesh a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
In the closing moments of the first half, UP nearly added a third from a precise long cross, but the striker failed to convert the clear chance. Uttar Pradesh resumed their dominance after the break, almost finding the net in the opening minutes through a corner, but the header sailed narrowly wide.
Assam on the other hand regrouped and mounted stronger attacks, keeping UP’s defence on high alert, yet the disciplined backline ensured nothing passed through.
Assam continued hunting for their opening goal but struggled to penetrate UP’s organised defence.
Against the run of play, Uttar Pradesh sealed the match in the 69th minute when Anjali (3) netted her second goal of the evening, converting from a well-delivered corner to make it 3-0.
With the win, Uttar Pradesh booked their place in the championship final, and would now face Maharashtra in the finals on December 11, at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium.