Bengal women's unbeaten run in the National Games football championship ended with a sudden death against Odisha in the semifinal on Friday at Tilak Maidan, Goa. After a goalless draw in the regulation 90 minutes Bengal women lost the match in the 'sudden-death'. The score line was 5-4 in Odisha’s favour. 

Bengal will now participate in the third-fourth place match on Sunday morning to ensure the bronze medal.

Even in the penalty shoot-out, Bengal were on the edge of ensuring their berth in the final as substitute custodian Gurubari Mandi made two brilliant saves, helping Bengal to take the advantage. But, the shooters failed to capitalize on it, failing to score twice. 

Bengal's coach Dipankar Biswas however sounded extremely satisfied with the girls' performance, stating while speaking over the phone, "Odisha had most of the national footballers. Still, in the way our girls dominated, I was amazed. We squandered at least four to five sitters. Moushumi Murmu was one of the players who, despite exhibiting splendid performance throughout failed to convert one sitter. The only thing to regret was that despite having outplayed Odisha we had to lose the game."

Coach explained, "I can see the bright future of these girls, especially the new entrants like Swati Debnath, and Anita Oraon. If these girls are properly nurtured and assured of financial stability then they will not only glorify Bengal in the future but will also get call-ups in the national team." 

Incidentally, Mugli Hembram, the midfielder received a severe injury on her knee during the match. She was immediately admitted to the hospital. She may have suffered a severe ACL injury.