Nita FA 2 (Manisha Naik 60’, 63’)
defeated
HOPS FC 0

AIFF Media Team

BHUBANESWAR: A second half brace by Manisha Naik helped Nita FA secure a 2-0 victory against HOPS FC at the Capital Football Arena, on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Manisha Naik (60’, 63’) scored both her goals around the hour mark, putting the hosts in a comfortable position, in a match that they were dominating from the get-go.

This result propels Nita FA to the fifth spot in the IWL 2024-25 table, with 10 points from eight matches. HOPS, meanwhile, languish at the bottom with a solitary point from as many games.

Nita FA’s veteran midfielder Kamala Devi perhaps had one of her finest performances this season, as she completely dictated the proceedings from the middle. She was the vital cog in their machinery that allowed the hosts to dictate terms against the side from Delhi.

While clear-cut chances were few and far between in the first half, it was Naik who had the best opportunity to score, when Kamala chipped a ball over the HOPS defence for the former to chest it down inside the penalty area and volley it. However, HOPS keeper Kajal made a smart save from close range.

While Kamala and Naik were superb on the day, Nita FA forward Rahama Jafaru arguably had a day to forget. The Ghanaian had a number of misses from half chances, and could not convert when she got clear-cut opportunities either. A Kamala cross from the left in the 51st minute found Jafaru with ample space inside the box; she had only the goalkeeper to beat, but shot it straight at the HOPS custodian.

Kamala could have scored a few minutes later when she pulled the trigger from outside the box, but Kajal tipped the shot onto the crossbar before it was cleared.

The former India international finally created the perfect opportunity for her side to take the lead when she delicately threaded a through ball into the path of Naik, who calmly finished it at the near post at the hour mark.

Minutes later, Kajal rushed out of her line to make a clearance, which landed at Naik’s feet outside the box. Seeing the keeper out of position, Naik decided to chip it with precision, earning her side a two-goal cushion.It could have ended three in favour of Nita FA when they were awarded a penalty in injury time. However, Jafaru capped off a forgettable day in the office when she blasted her spot-kick over the bar.