by
3rd July 2017: The inaugural WIFA Women’s Championship came to conclusion on Monday evening after FC Pune City triumphed over an energetic United Poona SA side 3-0 at Cooperage Stadium. It was 13-year old Senorita Nongpluh’s brilliance which inspired Mohan Das’ side to overcome a tough challenge from United Poona SA.
The match started off brightly for FC Pune City when Senorita opened the scoring just inside the 5th minute as she had only the goalkeeper to beat, giving Pune City a brilliant start in the Final. Senorita’s sublime finish proved too good for UPSA’s goalkeeper.
Things got worst for United Poona SA when Muriel Adam made it 2-0 in the 11th minute which delivered a huge blow to UPSA’s title hopes. FC Pune City kept pressing UPSA’s backline which turned out to be a good tactic as the defense couldn’t make a way for Aishwarya Balapure who rarely got the ball possession.
Undoubtedly, FC Pune City’s best player in the Tournament – Senorita was as good as she was in the previous games. She soon made it 3-0 after a brilliant build-up by Pratima and Deepika. A couple of minutes later, Senorita would have completed her hat-trick when she saw her powerful shot rattled the bar.
United Poona SA had a big task ahead of them in the second-half. FC Pune City defended brilliantly and kept UPSA’s attackers at bay. Dhanashri and Aishwarya, both had a good game in the second-half but couldn’t manage to go past FC Pune City’s defense. In the end, it was FC Pune City who comfortably held on to their lead to emerge as the Champions.
Bodyline SC’s Karen Pais was awarded ‘Golden Boot’ for ending up as the top scorer with nine goals in four matches, whereas, United Poona SA’s Aishwarya Balapure won the ‘Best Player of the Tournament’ award for an impressive performance and leadership throughout the Championship.
