Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 06:
In a repeat of many finals Manipur and West Bengal would face off for the top honour of the 13th Senior Women's National Football Champion- ship at Khuman lampak Main Stadium tomorrow.
Out of 13 championships so far Manipur had emerged triumphant for an unprecedented 10 times with the arch rival wresting the title on two occasions.
Predictably, the hosts' coach KP Kabui exuded confidence saying Manipur team is not only better as a unit compared to the opponent but are individually superior than the West Bengal girls in all departments of the game.
Kabui also pointed out that West bengal will miss the service of attacking mid-fielder Shilpi Deb following the marching order in the second semi final against Kerala yesterday.
The defending champions, on the other hand has received no booking and that fielding full strength is in itself a big psychological advantage, expressed the coach who also added that with both sides knowing each others inside out the team maintaining composure and making maximum use of goal scoring opportunities will be the champion.
Moreover, reliance of the Bengal team upon Sujata Kar, who had scored five goals so far in the competition, could be neutralised as the striker mainly operates from the right flank where Manipur's mid-fielders and right back have been excellent so far.
As per public comments the only hurdle Manipur might face in adding yet another trophy could be over confidence and excess exhibition of individual skill in the strikers' pursuit to gain personal milestone in terms of goal scoring feats.
Nevertheless, the West bengal girls would have to give their best to stop the opponent strikers, especially Th tababi who had scored seven goals starting from the quarter final stage.
tababi's goals are out of 13 netted by Manipur while Sujata Kar's strikes had accounted for 15 of West Bengal goals.