Manipur scripted a comfortable 2-0 win over last year’s runner-up Orissa, while West Bengal won a penalty shootout 3-2 against Tamil Nadu, after the teams were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation and extra time.
It was a heart breaking loss for Tamil Nadu, which led for most part of the encounter. Vidyavathi’s spectacular 20-yard free kick put the host ahead in the 22nd minute.
Tamil Nadu could have increased the lead had its strikers capitalised on some of the good moves initiated by the midfielders. West Bengal players made attempts to equalise late in the first half, but Tamil Nadu defenders warded off the challenges with aplomb.
There was not much of an action in the early part of the second session, but the latter part certainly belonged to the West Bengal players, who repeatedly raided the rival defence.
Their persistence was finally rewarded when Shilpi Deb headed in the equaliser in the 69th minute and forced the match into extra time.
After a fruitless 20 minutes of extra time, the match was decided on shoot out.
In the other semifinal, K. Rebika Devi gave Manipur a 1-0 advantage in the 67th minute after a goalless first half. From then on, Manipur forwards grew in confidence and kept the rival defenders busy. Tababi Devis goal in the 74th minute settled the issue beyond doubt. The final will be played on Sunday.