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A sublime strike from Norbert Lalfakawma in the seventh minute of the extra-time led Government Chawngfiang Middle School to their first Subroto Cup title here at Delhi’s Ambedkar Stadium today. The goal capped off a see-saw encounter which saw the side from Mizoram engage in a tantalising battle with Kabul’s Esteqalal School and finish level on 2 goals each after the regulatory 50 minutes.
Game of contrasting halves
The first half of the match belonged to the northeastern side as Chuan fa Hamar put them in the lead with a brace. The opener came as early as in the eighth minute when R. Lalriupuia sent in a long cross from near the centre line. With several defenders surrounding, Hmar struck a superb half volley to beat the Afghan goalkeeper.
Persisting with attack, they struck again, four minutes into the second half when Hmar received a loose aerial ball which he trapped nicely and sidestepped a couple of Afghan defenders to slot home. Stung by this comfortable lead, the Afghans did what they normally do to stage an inspiring comeback.
First Rashid scored from outside the box to pull one back and then with just a couple of minutes to go in the 2nd half, a loose ball from Hroata Jonete reached Jamshed who was brought down unlawfully by Remsangpuia. Referee Corporal S. Arun pointed towards the spot and Rashid stepped up to convert the resultant penalty.
The teams then matched each other move for move till Lalfakawma’s strike at the stroke of the mini-break in stoppage time.
Elated and joyous, the boys from Mizoram were bestowed with a cash prize of INR 2.5 lakh and a glittering trophy which was presented to them by Air Marshal BBP Sinha, Chief Minister of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla and Brazilian footballing legend, Roberto Carlos.
Other prizes which were handed out during the prize distribution ceremony
Best Player- Chhunga Hmar
Best Coach- Lalthawmmawia
Best Goal Keeper- Lallamkima
Most Promising Player- Uday Shankar Bora
Fair Play Trophy- Namchi Sports Hostel, Sikkim
Also, the organisers released a list of 25 players who will receive the coveted Subroto Boys Scholarship this year:
Imran Hassan, Subhendu Ghosh, Ripunjoy. Dhaneshwar Narzary, Moses Lalrinzuala, Remlalfaka, Bijendra Munda, Shanon A Viegas, N Mahesh, N Romen, Bijay Kumar Rai, Kito, Kishan Patel, Manav, Deb Jyoti, Mangmintham Haokip, M Somokant, Digvijay Asnekar, Adarsh Roy Das, Avilad, ,Yash, Deshant, Hemanya Baweja, Aditya Pattani and Abhijeet P
