Rajmata Jijabai Trophy: Bengal and Railways Claim Distinct Victories in Senior Women’s NFC
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Narainpur, Dec 11 (NationPress) West Bengal and Railways commenced their journey in the Final Round of the 29th Senior Women's National Football Championship for the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2024-25 with impressive victories against Punjab and Sikkim, respectively, in Group B at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Wednesday.
In the day’s first match, Bengal dominated Punjab with a resounding score of 6-0. In the subsequent match, Railways narrowly defeated Sikkim with a score of 3-2. The other team in the group is Haryana.
Bengal showcased an exceptional performance as Rimpa Haldar, an international player, netted five goals while Tania Kanti added another to secure a 6-0 victory over Punjab. The team led 2-0 at halftime.
Rimpa initiated the scoring in the 14th minute, followed by another goal just a minute later. She continued her scoring spree in the second half, completing her hat-trick in the 56th minute. In the 66th minute, she curled in another from the edge of the box and struck her fifth goal in the 77th minute.
Substitute Tania Kanti rounded off the scoring with a final goal, capitalizing on a rebound after her initial long-range attempt was blocked by Punjab's goalkeeper, Divya.
Railways battled hard to secure their 3-2 win against Sikkim, scoring all three goals in the first half before Sikkim mounted a comeback with two goals.
Mamta netted the first goal for Railways in the 25th minute after a one-on-one chance against Sikkim's goalkeeper, Gyurme Tamang. Despite defender Priya Chhetri attempting to clear the ball, Mamta slotted the rebound home. She scored her second goal in the 43rd minute from a corner taken by Sanju, flicking it into the net. The third goal came from Jabamani's header in the 45+3rd minute.
Sikkim responded in the second half with two goals, driven by their captain and striker, Simran Gurung. She netted her first in the 47th minute after a rebound from Railways goalkeeper Rashmi Kumari. In the 77th minute, she added another goal during a counterattack.
