Sethu FC come from behind to win first title

Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 22

Sethu FC overturned a first-half deficit to beat Manipur Police SC 3-1 and claim their first Indian Women’s League title at Guru Nanak Stadium here today. The Madurai-based Sethu received a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while the losing finalists pocketed Rs 5 lakh. Ashalata Devi of Sethu FC was adjudged the Most Valuable Player, receiving  Rs 1.25 lakh, while her teammate Ratnabala Devi was named the Emerging Player, receiving Rs 75,000. Manipur Police captain Bala Devi finished as the highest scorer, receiving Rs 1 lakh. 

Radharani Devi put Manipur ahead towards the end of the first half, but an own goal by Umapati Devi helped Sethu equalise at 1-1, before Nepal international Sabitra Bhandari scored two goals to end the contest.

Sethu started as the more organised side as they kept the Manipur attackers in check and looked to hit with their swift counterattacks. Sethu made sure to tightly mark Manipur’s top striker Bala Devi. Manipur’s goal came in the 44th minute as Radharani leaped above the rest to nod in a corner from the left. Sethu got the equaliser in the 56th minute when captain Indumathi Kathiresan’s shot took a deflection off defender Umapati before beating the goalkeeper. Five minutes later, Sethu took the lead as Sabitra scored after being sent through on goal. Sabitra scored her second in the 70th minute.