Defending champions Manipur clash with Bihar while former champions West Bengal play Kerala in the semi-finals of the 11th National women's football championship in Chennai on Sunday.
A determined Maharashtra denied hosts Tamil Nadu a passage to the semi-finals, putting up a solid defence throughout the 80 minutes of play for a goalless draw in the last quarter-final league match on Friday.
The draw enabled Bihar, who had beaten Maharashtra by a solitary goal and drawn with Tamil Nadu, make it to the last four stage.
It was a sight to watch the Bihar fans, who sat through entire match on the edge of their seats, screamed and joined in the jubiliation after Tamil Nadu were held goalless.
In an inconsequential tie in Group-D, Assam beat Uttar Pradesh 3-0 through goals from Anjana Saika, Anajana Pegu and J Kunti Dighal.
As for the Tamil Nadu-Maharashtra match, the former lacked in every department of the game. The credit should go to the Maharashtra defenders, particularly to Shahin Khan who emerged as the star player.
Maharashtra had nothing at stake, having no chance of progressing further in the championship and true to their plan succeeded in defying the hosts.
Throughout the match, Tamil Nadu played without any plan and even their trappings were wrong on all occasions. They were also guilty of indulging in missed passes often.
Tamil Nadu had three chances to score n the first 20 minutes of play. On the first two occasions, V R Ruby was the culprit, while in the 20th minute Vasanthi muffed an easy chance.
