Junior Girls' National Championship: Mizoram, Kerala post big wins

Mizoram cruised to a 9-0 win over Punjab, while Kerala posted a 6-0 triumph over Andhra Pradesh on the second day of the Junior Girls' National Football Championship held in in Kolhapur on Sunday.

Mizoram players celebrate a goal during their 9-0 win over Punjab in the Junior Girls' National Football Championship clash at Kolhapur's Rajarshi Shahu Stadium on Sunday.

Mizoram began its junior girls' National Football Championship campaign in style as it coasted to a 9-0 win over Punjab at Kolhapur's Rajarshi Shahu Stadium on Sunday. In the other Group H match, Kerala posted a 6-0 triumph over Andhra Pradesh.

Mizoram took the lead in the sixth minute when forward Lalrinmuani found the back of the net. She scored again in the 41st and 45th minute to further extend her team's lead. Lalnunsiami picked up a second-half brace and captain Lalhlupuii Varte, Vanlalnghaki, K. Ngopaw Di, and Nancy Lalhlimpuii also scored to complete the rout.

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Malavika P was the pick of the scorers for Kerala as her four goals and substitute Pristy CA's brace guided the side to an easy 6-0 win.

Action in Group E saw Odisha secure a 3-1 win over Chhattisgarh. Midfielder Laxmi Podiyami gave Chhattisgarh the lead in the 23rd minute but Manisha Naik equalised for Odisha a minute later with a header. Both sides continued to push for the crucial lead and in the end, it was Odisha that prevailed 3-1 thanks to late goals from Jyoti Kumari and substitute Barsha Mahakud.

Bihar began its Group F campaign with a 3-1 victory against Telangana. Kajal Kumari scored the opener in the 22nd minute for Bihar and two phenomenal Jyoti Kumari free-kicks in the 47th and 79th minutes put Bihar in the driver's seat. Ravali R did grab a consolation goal for Telangana in the 66th minute but it was too little too late.

Last year's semifinalist Himachal Pradesh picked up three points with a clinical display against Chandigarh in the first match in the group G. A brace apiece from Manisha and Poonam and captain Anju strike in the 78th minute steered the side to a 5-0 win.

The girls will be eager to shine as the tourney will serve as a platform for scouting talent for the FIFA U-117 Women's World Cup, which will be held in India next year. Indian women's football team coach Maymol Rocky and U-18 women's coach Alex Ambrose will be attending the matches to help with the scouting process.