U-19 I-League: AIFF Elite Academy beat Salgaocar FC through a late goal 2-1!

Malsawmzuala's blockbuster in the dying moments of the game helped AIFF Elite Academy to basket three points in their opener of the Under-19 I-League - Final Round against Salgaocar FC at the DSK Shivajians campus in Pune today.Locking horns for the third time in the competition, Salgaocar FC were acquainted with the AIFF Elite Academy's style of play. This gave them an upper hand in the first ten minutes to dominate proceedings by pressing their opponents to commit errors. First few chances fell into Salgaocar's courtyard as when AIFF's Goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh spilled a pass which was intercepted by Salgoacar's Naro Hari. The striker had an open opportunity to make it count but he scuffed a tame effort wide of goal.Finally the deadlock was broken at the half-time mark when Suman Sarkar spotted Daniel's guile run, as he evaded his marker. Sarkar's well executed through pass found Daniel Lalhlimpuia, as the latter tucked the ball into the back of the net. At half-time the score read 1-0.The AIFF Elite Academy got the much needed kick-start two minute after the restart, as Lalramzauva shot went sailing over the crossbar, following Rakesh Oram's inch measured cut back. In the thick of the moment it was Lalramzauva again, with his magical left footed curling effort, which threatened Salgaocar's citadel.Salgaocar's responded immediately with Raja Rawat firing a long-ranger and seconds later headed an effort from a point blank range, which was dealt with a goalline save from the AIFF's Gursimrat Singh Gill. The hard work paid-off for Salgaocar, as AIFF's Sajid misjudged the flight of the ball allowing it to clip his arm in the penalty area. The referee pointed towards the penalty spot; as Salgaocar's Naro Hari put the Greens back to level pegging.The tactical switch to bring Malsawmzuala in for Lalramzauva ascertained an attacking traction for the AIFF Elite Academy in the dying moments of the game. The substitute himself was instrumental in starting the move from the right; when Rakesh Oram's pin-pointed cross was cleverly set-up for Malsawmzuala by Milan Basumatary, to fire it past keeper.Meanwhile in another clash Pune FC beat the Host DSK Shivajians 4-2. The AIFF Elite Academy will take on the host in their second round match of the Final league on April 24 at 5:15pm.