Mizoram wins U-14 Subroto Cup title

New Delhi: Mizoram`s Government Chawmfianga Middle School in Kolasib won its maiden U-14 boys` title of the 54th Subroto Cup with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Betkuchi High School in Kamrup, Assam at the Ambedkar Stadium here on Monday.

Lallawmsanga (28th minute) and Lalthansanga (47th) scored for the winners while Mizoram defender Lallawmawma (36th) botched up a clearance to reduce the deficit. This is the third time that a team from Mizoram has won the title. Mizoram dominated proceedings and could have scored at least a couple of goals in the opening 15 minutes. However, the Assam defence, which had not conceded any goals during their journey to the final, held firm to deny their rivals the lead in the first half. The Assamese resistance finally cracked early in the second period when Mizoram`s Lalathansanga`s shot hit the post before going in. Mizoram`s lead, however, was only shortlived as its defender Lallawmawma`s attempted to clear an Assamese cross from the right flank, only managing to lob the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Lalmuansanga resulting in an own goal there by giving Assam an opportunity to stage a comeback. The setback only seemed to spur on the team from Mizoram when Lalampuia`s header off a corner fell to an unmarked Lallawmsanga who punched in from close range to seal the tie in his team`s favour. The wining team received a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh while the runners-up took home Rs 1 lakh.