Dagmei grace

NFC Rajmata Jijabai Trophy: Manipal defeated Haryana 2-0 in a hard-fought battle in the final to win the record-extending 22nd NFC Rajmata Jijabai Trophy.

The resilient Haryana defense kept their composure despite repeated attempts by the pacy Manipur attack in the first half. Haryana were dealt a major blow in the second half when wing-back Samiksha was shown a red card for a foul on Dagmei Grace in the 65th minute of the game reducing the team to ten players and giving a penalty to Manipur in the process. Haryana captain Shreya Hooda saved Devi’s penalty attempt and also the following rebound to keep her team in the game.

It did not take Manipur long to open the scoring after that as a ball cleared by the Manipur defense in the 68th minute made its way into the box which was met by a brilliant half-turn and goal by Bala Devi who was also named the player of the tournament as she was tied for most goals scored.