Rajmata Jijabai Trophy: Amisha and Pyari Shine as Jharkhand and Odisha Triumph in Senior Women’s NFC
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Narainpur (Chhattisgarh), Dec 10 (NationPress) Jharkhand and Odisha secured maximum points from their Group A fixtures on the first day of the final rounds of the 29th Senior Women's National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2024-25, at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground.
Jharkhand made quick work of former champions Tamil Nadu, clinching a 3-0 victory in the opening match of the day, while Odisha triumphed over Maharashtra with a 2-0 scoreline in the later game.
Jharkhand, who led 2-0 at halftime, was propelled by a remarkable hat-trick from forward Amisha Baxla, who scored in the 36th, 38th, and 72nd minutes with impressive accuracy, steering her team to a comfortable win. The attacking prowess and collaborative effort displayed by Jharkhand ensured a strong start to their campaign, earning them three points in their opener.
Tamil Nadu fought valiantly and showcased moments of brilliance, but Jharkhand's consistent attacking pressure was overwhelming.
International star Pyari Xaxa shone in Odisha’s 2-0 victory against Maharashtra, netting a goal in each half to secure three points.
The initial goal came in the 45+2nd minute, marked by a superb right-footed finish from inside the box into the bottom left corner, surpassing goalkeeper Payal Basude.
Xaxa took advantage of a loose ball for her second goal in the 55th minute, following an incredible goalline save by Payal that denied a corner shot. The deflection fell to an unmarked Xaxa, who expertly chest-trapped the ball into the net to extend the lead.
Upcoming fixtures on Wednesday (Group B): Punjab vs West Bengal (9 am); Sikkim vs Railways (2.30 pm).
