Patna: Jharkhand have advanced to the final of the National Sub Junior Girls Football Championship Tier-1 after defeating Bihar 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout. The semi-final, played at the DSA Ground in Malda, West Bengal, ended 2-2 after regulation time, with Jharkhand prevailing in the shootout. They will now face Manipur in the final on 11 September, after Manipur secured a 5-2 win over host West Bengal in the other semi-final.
The match between Jharkhand and Bihar was fiercely contested. Bihar took an early lead in the 30th minute through Rinki Kumari Chauhan’s goal, but Jharkhand responded just before halftime, with Sabrina Kumari equalising to make it 1-1.
In the second half, Sabrina struck again in the 53rd minute, putting Jharkhand ahead 2-1. However, Bihar fought back, and Rinki Kumari Chauhan netted her second goal in the 61st minute, levelling the match at 2-2.
With no further goals scored in regular time or the 15-minute extra time periods, the match went to penalties. Jharkhand’s Sunaina Tudu, Deepika Kumari, Gauri, and Sonal Munda converted their spot-kicks, while Bihar’s Naina and Pinky Kumari scored, but Ranjana and Anshu missed, sealing Jharkhand’s 4-2 victory in the shootout.
Jharkhand goalkeeper Aarushi played a pivotal role, ensuring her team’s place in the final.
