Madhya Pradesh (MP) put up a commanding performance to defeat Himachal Pradesh (HP) 5–0 in their group-stage encounter of the Dr T. Ao Junior Girls’ National Football Championship on Sunday.
MP opened their account early, with Trusha Parmar (3) finding the net in the 5th minute. HP almost responded immediately when a well-placed corner in the 7th minute created a golden opportunity, but the header drifted wide.
MP continued to press hard and thought they had doubled the lead in the 12th minute, but the goal was disallowed after the linesman flagged for offside. Their pressure soon paid off in the 14th minute, when Nitya Phulre (7) slotted in MP’s second goal. Deep into first-half injury time, MP struck once more to take a comfortable 3–0 lead at the break.
After the restart in the second half, MP kept up their attacking tempo, but HP’s defenders and goalkeeper worked tirelessly to hold them at bay. HP’s best chance came in the 66th minute when a powerful shot from inside the box forced a sharp save, resulting in a corner. MP’s persistence eventually broke through again in the 76th minute, with Bhariga Thevar (6) adding the fourth goal.
HP goalkeeper produced several remarkable saves, but her stoppages was outdone in the additional time, when MP scored a brilliant goal from a free kick from just outside the penalty box, sealing a convincing 5–0 victory.
Mizoram, Maharashtra play out 3–3 draw
In one of the most dramatic matches, Mizoram and Maharashtra battled to a high-intensity 3–3 draw on Sunday. Maharashtra scored in the 5th minute when Aanshi (14) curled in a free kick to give her side an early lead. Mizoram, however, responded with relentless pressure, though several of their forward runs were flagged offside. Mizoram squandered another clear chance as a powerful strike sailed over the crossbar, even as they continued to mount repeated attacks.
Maharashtra nearly doubled their lead with a low drive that missed the post by inches. Their persistence eventually paid off in the 30th minute when Jersey 11 converted a well-delivered corner to make it 2–0.
A setback hit Mizoram in the 32nd minute after their goalkeeper had to be stretchered off due to injury. Despite that, they clawed one back in first-half stoppage time through Jersey 7.
Minutes later, Maharashtra picked up the tournament’s first yellow card after a defender deliberately handled the ball near the halfway line.
Another strong Maharashtra attempt was denied by a crucial fingertip save from Mizoram’s substitute keeper, and the half ended 2–1 in Maharashtra’s favour after eight minutes of added time. In the 53rd minute of the second half, Mizoram appealed loudly for handball in the box, but the referee waived it off.
Tensions further rose in the 67th minute when an offside call against Mizoram triggered protests from players and the bench, leading to their coach being shown a yellow card. The team, however, channelled the frustration into attack, and levelled the scores in the 72nd minute, prompting loud celebrations from the crowd.
Six minutes of additional time was given in the second half, with Maharashtra capitalizing on a late free kick, with Aanshi (14) striking a stunning long-range shot to restore their lead.
Mizoram, refusing to back down, stormed down the left flank in added time to score a dramatic equaliser. The match concluded 3–3, with Mizoram earning a hard-fought point.
Monday’s Matches
Punjab Vs Uttarakhand
- 2:30 pm
Nagaland Vs Andaman & Nicobar – 6:30 pm