City boys in Subroto Cup U-14 finals

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 3

Government Model High School, Sector 36, boys won a thrilling semifinal against Utlou Govt High School, Manipur, in a tie breaker finish to confirm their berth in the final of the 58th Subroto Cup U-14 Football Tournament at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.

The Chandigarh team won 6-4 via penalties after the two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time. Pritam, Balraj, Pawan, Amandeep and L. Sibajit scored for the winning team while Ajit Kumar, Naoba Meitei and Radhakanta hit the target for Manipur.

The Chandigarh boys will now be facing Astqlal Kabul, Afghanistan, who beat Mizoram 5-4, in the final to be played on Wednesday at the Ambedkar Stadium in New Delhi.

Earlier, striker Napolean opened the account in the 22nd minute by placing the ball to the right of the Manipur goalie Charles Tongbram. 

But in the last six minutes, Ajit Kumar struck to restore parity, taking the match into penalties for a decision.

The Chandigarh boys made good moves but often failed to apply the finishing touches. On the other hand, the Manipur team concentrated more on defence and occasionally took the ball to the opposition citadel.

 “We were riding high on luck today. I am happy with the team’s performance. The boys did not lose hope and played with the same temperament throughout the match.  They have overcome a lot of pressure and we hope we will win the final too,” said coach Gupreet Bedi.  

In the other semifinal, Afghans beat Government Chawnefianga Middle School, Mizoram, 5-4. Both the teams failed to score in the stipulated time. Ali, Farid, Mahde, Gayam and Baktash made no mistake with their shots. Lalthaneliana, Lawmzuala, Bemrautkima and Melvin struck for Mizoram. 

The U-17 junior girls event began with SAI defeating West Bengal 3-2. West Bengal led 2-0 comfortably through Singo Murum and Mousumi but Sunita Mundu, Sujata Bora and Uma Mahato turned the tide to earn full points.  NCC North East beat Kerala 7-0 with Vanlalmawii top-scoring for the winners. 

Kendriya Vidyalaya beat CBSE 4-1 while Gujarat thrashed Chandigarh 1-0 at NWC ground. Manipur blanked IPSC 8-0 and Uttarakhand downed Air Force Bal Bharti School, Delhi, 4-0.  The other league matches will be played on Tuesday.