Bengal downs Bihar

LUDHIANA, MAY 20. Riding on the expertise of its international players, Bengal defeated Bihar 1-0 in the quarterfinal league round of the 9th senior National women's football championship here today.

Though the scoreline failed to reflect the effort of the Bihar team, Bengal had to continuously struggle hard to maintain the solitary goal lead.

Spearheaded by its top player Madhu Kumari, Bihar thwarted the crucial moves of Bengal's playmaker Sujata Kar quite a number of times. Kar had impressed with her goal-scoring performance against the visiting Germany side recently.

Kar was finally successful in the 29th minute of the first half when she gave a pass from the left side of the penalty area to an alert Rinku Ghosh who scored the only goal for Bengal.

The second half saw Bihar dominating play throughout as it struggled to score the much-needed equaliser.

However, its efforts was marred by poor finishing with its forward Anju Rani failing to score and missing crucial chances.

Tomorrow Kerala will take on Maharashtra while Manipur will play against Orissa in their respective quarterfinal league matches.

- PTI

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Section  : Sport
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