NEW DELHI: In a tense and gripping final, Manipur once again reigned supreme, defeating Bengal 1–0 to defend their Senior Women’s National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2025–26 title on Wednesday, October 15 at the RKM Ashrama ground in Narainpur, Chhattisgarh.

It was Lynda Kom Serto who rose to the occasion in stoppage time, scoring the decisive goal in the 93rd minute, breaking Bengal’s hearts and sealing a record-extending 23rd title for the Northeastern giants. The half time ended goalless.

From the outset, it was clear this final was going to be a cagey affair. Both teams were disciplined, cautious, and unwilling to give their opponent any early advantage.

The midfield became the battlefield, with possession frequently turning over and neither side finding much room to operate in the attacking third. Chances were scarce, and both defences stood firm under pressure.

The first real opening came Manipur’s way in the 20th minute through a set-piece. Ratanbala Devi stood over a free-kick and curled in a lovely effort, but luck was not on her side as the ball struck the outside of the post. It was a let-off for Bengal, who responded with a moment of their own 15 minutes later.

In the 35th minute, Rimpa Haldar was played through with a beautifully weighted pass that split the Manipur defence. With only the goalkeeper to beat, she hesitated at the crucial moment. The Manipur custodian charged off her line to narrow the angle, and under pressure, Haldar dragged her shot narrowly wide.

The miss though gave Bengal belief. Their attack grew sharper, and just five minutes later, Mousumi Murmu made a piercing run down the left flank before unleashing a rasping shot that flew just off target.

The second half was a battle of nerves more than anything else. Neither team wanted to make the mistake that could cost them the title. Tackles were firm, pressing was relentless, and the coaches tried to find a breakthrough through substitutions. But none of the changes managed to tip the balance. The game seemed destined for extra time, with both sides locked in a stalemate.

Then, just when fatigue had set in and the match was drifting towards another half hour of play, Manipur found their moment of magic. In the 93rd minute, Phanjoubam Nirmala Devi delivered a cross from the right. Bengal’s defenders, momentarily switching off, allowed Lynda Kom the time and space to bring the ball under control. Composed as ever, the forward struck a clean right-footed shot past the goalkeeper to send the Manipur dugout into delirium.

As the final whistle blew, Bengal players sank to their knees, gutted by the cruel timing of the goal. Manipur, on the other hand, celebrated yet another triumph in their storied history, a strong testament to their ability to dig deep when it matters most.

Credits: AIFF Media

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian Football.

The post Last-minute winner sees Manipur clinch 24th Rajmata Jijabai Trophy title appeared first on Football Counter.

Pic Credit: Twitter @Game4sports Winning team Manipur Girls with the trophy

Two teams that were invincible until the finals of the Championship produced an enthralling game in the final, where defending champions Manipur defeated Odisha in a closely contested affair.

Starting alongside Telangana and Chandigarh in Group E Manipur had won both the group games annihilating their opponents. Beating Chandigarh 7-1 and Telangana 16-0, Manipur advanced to quarter-final. In the quarter final, Manipur went on another goal scoring spree beating Tamil Nadu 12-0. In the semi final, Manipur finally faced some competition as they narrowly edged past Delhi 2-1

At the other end, Odisha too had an easy journey grouped in with Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh; Odisha took off with a pulsating start hammering Himachal Pradesh 7-0 and then crushing Gujarat 5-1. Odisha eased into the semis after defeating strong Maharashtra with a 4-1 score line in the quarter finals. In the last four, Odisha had another good game against West Bengal, whom they beat 3-0.

On their road to their finals, both sides had scored plenty of goals to their name. While Odisha scored 19 goals and concede just 2, Manipur had almost twice the number, scoring 37 times while conceding just twice. The final was supposed to test the side’s both defensive ability and scoring boots.

Also Read: Tri-nation series to commence from 19th August in Mumbai

And it was Manipur that came up triumph in the final for the third time. In a closely contested game, Odisha playing in front of the home crowd gave a stiff fight before going down 3-2 against the North-eastern side.

Manipur drew the first blood in the 22^nd minute, when T Kritina Devi scored the first goal. Four minutes before half time, Manipur doubled the lead through A. Roja Devi but two minutes later Odisha came back in to the game after a mistake from Manipur defence gave away a own goal. Both the sides entered the break at 2-1 score line with the host trailing by a goal.

The second half began with Odisha playing more positively in search of equaliser and in the 79^th minute it was Odisha’s Suman Mohapatra who equalised to make things interesting. But Just when it looked the game was headed for extra-time, A Roja Devi scored in the first minute of Injury time to put Manipur back in to the lead.

Eventually the game ended with the defending champions Manipur winning their third title in as many years.

Final Score:

Manipur 3 (T Kritina Devi 22’, A. Roja Devi 41’, 90+1’) – 2 Odisha (Manipur Own Goal, Suman Mohapatra 79’)

The post Manipur trounce Odisha to win the Junior girls National Football championship appeared first on Football Counter.

A hat-trick by AIFF Player of the Year 2015 Ngangom Bala Devi, after Bembem Devi put Manipur ahead when she converted from the spot kick, led Manipur to an easy win over opponents Haryana, who tried to mount a late comeback in the game.

The post Bala Devi hat-trick helps Manipur to enter Finals of National Football Championship appeared first on Football Counter.