Tamil Nadu and Haryana have secured their places in the 2023 Hero Senior Women’s National Football Championships final. As a result of victories against Railways and Odisha in their respective semifinal matches. It will take place on Monday, June 26 in Amritsar.
In the first semi-final of the day, Tamil Nadu stunned everyone by overcoming four-time champion Railways 3-1. Meanwhile, Haryana created history by qualifying for the summit showdown for the first time ever. Defeating Odisha 2-0 on penalties after the match finished 1-1.
Masterclass in Indumathi for Tamil Nadu
The contest between Tamil Nadu and Indian Railways featured a duel between two reigning champions. With the southern Indian team prevailing easily.
Rain at the GNDU Main Ground made for less than ideal playing conditions. But both teams gave it their all to win.
Early in the rain-drenched morning, the 2017–18 champions broke through the opposition’s defences. Priyadharshini S headed home a corner kick, giving Railways custodian Rashmi Kumari little chance after she misjudged the ball’s flight.
When Railways defender Supriya Routray attempted to block a cross from the right. And instead deposited the ball in her own net, Tamil Nadu increased their advantage.
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Sandhiya P, a striker for Tamil Nadu, timed the release of a ball for Indumathi Kathiresan down the right wing. She sent an excellent cross into the penalty area. Supriya attempted to clear the ball, but she was unable as it fell into the goal.
Throughout the whole game, Indumathi posed a persistent threat to the opposing defence. In the 53rd minute, he made it 3-0. Indumathi received a ball from the centre of the field. Outran her defender outside the penalty area for Railways. And further unleashed an incredible right-footed shot that curled into the top corner.
In the extra period of the second half, substitute Diparnita Dey scored on a rebound. Made it 3-1 and moreover give Railways a chance to tie the score.
Priyadharshini S was selected as the game’s MVP.
Haryana is propelled to the finals by Hooda’s spectacular penalty kicks
Later that day, in the second semifinal match, Haryana triumphed against Odisha in a joyous penalty shootout. At the conclusion of the 90 minutes, the score was tied at 1-1. And moreover Haryana custodian Shreya Hooda excelled in the ensuing shootout.
The game started with both teams playing end-to-end football, giving the impression that they were evenly matched. Haryana was obliged to make an early adjustment when Mona was seriously hurt. Aarti however took over for the striker in the 20th minute.
In the opening thirty minutes, both teams had a reasonable amount of ball possession. While still engaged in a midfield duel. Ritu Rani, though, had a brilliant moment in the 36th minute. The Haryana captain went up to take a free kick that was awarded on the right flank of the other team’s half. And scored from a distance.
Subhadra Sahoo of Odisha made a lightning-quick move forward in the 57th minute. The striker drove it forcefully far into shooting distance, but her attempt brazed over the bar for a goal-kick. In the 64th, Satyabati Khadia was hauled down inside the box by Ritu Rani, bringing the score to even.
Jasoda Munda, the captain of Odisha, went up to take the penalty kick. And made it past Shreya Hooda in the bottom right corner. At the conclusion of normal time, the score remained 1-1, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Shreya Hooda shown heroism for Haryana. Successfully deflecting shots from Malati Munda, Satyabati Khadia, and Jasoda Munda while Juli Kishan entirely missed the mark. Haryana scored goals through Santosh and Renu Rani. For her amazing work between the sticks, Hooda was the Player of the Match.
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