Odisha scored a hard fought 1-0 win over Delhi to top Group II in the quarterfinal League of the Junior National championship for Girls U-18 here today.
The two unbeaten teams in Group II -- Delhi and Odisha -- clashed today to decide the group winner. The match was inconsequential as both had qualified for the semifinals.
Delhi rested their attacking midfielder Mariya Khan, who had in the previous matches created unrest in the opposition ranks in the able company with India international Anushka Samuel.
Odisha, on the other hand, played a largely unchanged side from their last game against Goa.
Odisha skipper Anima Malik put her side ahead with a curling free-kick from just outside the box that got the better of Delhi goalkeeper Ketaki Tyagi in the 8th minute of the first half.
After the goal, Odisha went on the offensive with Arathi Sethi on the right, Banya Kabiraj and Jasmani Samad combining well.
The Delhi defence line were up to the task with Tithi Roy playing the role of defensive sweeper.
The second half saw sporadic raids from Delhi forward Anushka, who was fed by Prerana Negi and Chetna Dhadwal, but the Odisha defence of Laxmi Munda, Janaki Murmu, Jabamani Tudu and Sasmita Behera neutralised those attacks and held on their first half 1-0 lead to win the contest.
