Norbert Lalfakawma's left-footed shot in the seventh minute of the extra-time helped Mizoram lift the trophy in the Sub-Junior (Under-14) final of the 56th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Thursday. Government Chawngfiang Middle School, Mizoram, defeated Esteqalal School of Afghanistan 3-2 in the exciting match that went down to the wire and the winner had to be decided in the extra time. The win was worth Rs.2.5 lakh and the runner-up team got Rs.1.25 lakh and a trophy.
If the first half of the match belonged to the Northeastern side, the Afghan boys made the second half theirs, thanks to Rashid’s perseverance and his second goal just a few minutes from time.
The Mizo boys, playing percentage football and keeping a good control over ball possession, went ahead as early as in the eighth minute when R. Lalriupuia sent in a long cross from near the centre line.
With several defenders surrounding, Chhunga Hmar used his head to a greater effect to send the ball into the left goalkeeper Sharif. After the first goal, the team from Imphal tried its best to score another but could not do so. Afghanistan boys, on the other hand, tried their bit to make inroads into the rival goal area, but were competently kept at bay by the Mizoram defenders.
After the break, Mizoram struck four minutes into play when Chhunga received a loose aerial ball which he trapped effectively and sidestepped a couple of Afghan defenders to score.
Afghanistan was stung by the comfortable lead taken by the Mizo boys. However, their Plan B worked so well that Afghan player Rashid hit the target midway through the second session.
All the while, Mizoram boys went wayward, losing focus and it paved way for the equaliser. With just a couple of minutes to go, a loose ball from Hriata Jonete reached Rashid but Nobert and Remsangpuia made the cardinal blunder of checking the Afghan inside the box. Referee Corporal S. Arun showed the spot. The resultant penalty was converted by Rashid without a fuss as Mizoram goalkeeper R. Malsawmkima was a wee bit early in his reaction as the ball rolled in to the chagrin of Mizoram defenders.
Now, the first few minutes of extra time saw the Afghan boys keep the intensity and momentum with them as they made quite a few forays. But a counter-attack from Mizoram was good enough for Norbert to strike the winner, just close to the first half of extra-time. After the change of end, they competently kept the Afghans from any harm’s way.
Earlier, Delhi Dynamos player-manager Roberto Carlos along with his team mates was present to cheer the two teams. The Subroto Education Society offered 25 promising players in the Under-14 section Rs.15,000 each, a one-time scholarship.
There were several awards and rewards in different categories for the best efforts by the sub-junior boys during the tournament. Air Marshal BBP Sinha presented the trophy to the winners while Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthawala presented the cheque to them.
Awards
Best Player – Chhunga Hmar (Mizoram)
Best Coach – Lalthawmmawia (Mizoram)
Best Goalkeeper- Lallamkima
Most promising player – Uday Shankar Bora (SAI)
Fair Play Trophy – Namchi Sports Hostel, Sikkim
Courtesy: http://www.thestatesman.com/news/sports/mizoram-school-lifts-u-14-sub-junior-subroto-cup/92394.html#xumACiLIqP5oELSE.99
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