Himachal, Kerala girls log win, march into quarters

Chandigarh, April 23 

Punjab suffered a 3-0 defeat against Kerala in their second encounter of Group H in the Hero Junior Girls' National Football Championship in Kolhapur.

Punjab conceded their first goal in the 17th minute, when Nandana Krishnan scored with a header. The lead was doubled by Malavika P in the 29th minute, while Arya V got the third goal in the 87th minute. With this win, Kerala marched into the quarterfinals.

In another Group H match, Mizoram blanked Andhra Pradesh 7-0. Lalrinmuani scored a hat-trick (26th minute, 38th minute, 75th minute), while Gladys Zonunsangi added a brace (37th minute, 46th minute). Ruth Vanlalpeki (46th minute) and Lalnunsiami (87th minute) netted a goal each. Himachal Pradesh also moved into the quarterfinals by registering a 4-0 victory against hosts Maharashtra in Group G. The home side could have taken the lead in the first half, as they received a penalty. 

However, Himachal custodian Manisha saved the day for the visitors. The second half was also a tense affair but the breakthrough came in the 79th minute as Himachal substitute Aarti headed the ball home off a corner. The floodgates opened thereafter, with forward Manisha scoring a minute later and Kiran grabbing a brace (85th minute, 92nd minute).

Odisha also sealed their place in the quarterfinals with a thumping 13-0 win over Pondicherry. Jyoti Kumari found the net seven times (24th minute, 30th minute, 45th minute, 47th minute, 48th minute, 65th minute , 69th minute) and Manisha Naik chipped in with three goals (20th minute , 52nd minute , 73rd minute). Subhasmita Das (11th minute), Malati Munda (48th minute) and Salge Majhi (58th minute) added one apiece. —TNS