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The WIFA Inter-District Championship for Junior Girls culminated in an exhilarating finale, witnessing Thane claim their historic maiden title. Thane’s journey to the championship was marked by a series of impressive performances, beginning with a dominant 22-0 victory over Nanded in their opening match.
Road to Victory:
Thane continued their stellar form into the quarterfinals, where they secured a convincing 3-0 win over Nashik, booking their spot in the semifinals. In a nail-biting semifinal encounter, Thane’s skipper Harleen Kaur scored a late goal to edge out Pune and propel her team into the final.
Kolhapur’s Journey:
On the other side of the bracket, Kolhapur started their campaign with a significant victory, knocking out one of the competition’s favorites, Mumbai, with a narrow 1-0 win. They continued their successful run by another 1-0 win, edging past Palghar in a closely contested quarterfinal match. In the semifinals, Kolhapur delivered a commanding performance, defeating Raigad 3-1 to secure their place in the final.
The Grand Finale:
The championship final between Thane and Kolhapur was a tightly contested affair. The decisive moment came from Nyasa Bondre, whose stunning freekick from 25 yards out gave Thane a crucial lead. Thane’s solid defense ensured that Kolhapur could not find an equalizer, and the match ended 1-0 in favor of Thane, crowning them the champions.
3rd Place Playoff:
In the playoff for third place, Pune delivered a dominant performance, defeating Raigad 5-0 to secure their position on the podium.
Individual Honors:
– Player of the Tournament: Harleen Kaur (Thane)
– Best Goalkeeper: Asavari Patil (Kolhapur)
The WIFA Inter-District Championship for Junior Girls showcased the exceptional talent and competitive spirit of young footballers across the districts. Thane’s historic victory, Kolhapur’s strong campaign, and the remarkable performances of individual players made this tournament a memorable event.
