Cuttack: Orissa eves overcame their permanent nemesis Manipur 2-0 to win the Sub-junior National Football Championships at the Barabati Stadium here Tuesday. The hosts were dominant throughout the game and a brace from Malati Naik sealed victory for them.
The Orissa eves started the game on an aggressive note and never allowed their renowned opponents to settle down. The Manipur eves, who usually enjoy a dominant role, found themselves at the receiving end right from the word go.
After missing a couple of easy opportunities, the hosts forged ahead just at the stroke of half time. Bannya Kabiraj floated in a lovely ball off a corner and an unmarked Malati had no problems in finding the target with the Manipuri goalkeeper out of position.
After the visitors had muffed an easy scoring opportunity early in the second session to restore parity, the hosts once more took control. Malati made the issue safe when she scored after a combined move down the middle.
Orissa Olympic Association secretary Asirbad Behera was present as the chief guest and distributed the prizes along with other dignitaries including Sraddhananda Das (secretary, Orissa Archery Association), Ravi Parida (secretary, OSTTA), Pratap Satpathy (secrtary, Hockey Orissa). Football Association of Orissa (FAO) secretary, Sanjay Behera also announced a cash award of Rs 50,000 for the victorious Orissa eves.
