17-Nov-2008 89
Sustitute goalkeeper Manisha Panna`s
courageous performance helped Orissa edge out Goa 3-2, via
tie-breaker in the first semifinal of the 7th Junior (under-19)
National Women`s Football Championship at Gurgaon, Haryana today.
Originally a defender, Panna came as a replacement for
custodian Padmabati Das when Orissa were trailing 1-2 in the penalty
shoot out. Panna made her coach Sita Mahakud and the state proud by
saving two penalty kicks.
Orissa will meet Tamil Nadu in the final on November 19. In
the second semifinal, Tamil Nadu caused a major upset by defeating
favourites Manipur 2-1 in extra time.
Orissa now have a better chance to lift the trophy as they
had outplayed Tamil Nadu 3-0 earlier in the quarterfinal league.
