Kohima | November 28
Defending champions TT FC Aizawl comfortably defeated Life Sports of Kohima by five goals to nil (5:0) in the first semi-finals of the Royal Cup and booked a place in the finals.
The match ended up to be very one sided as Aizawl dominated and tactically outplayed Life sports in every department. Their midfield play was precise and full of creative intent and they used their wide positions very well. They were strong in defence and did not allow their opponents to make any inroads.
TT FC enjoyed the majority of ball possession and were able to construct good combination play in midfield and. It took just 15 minutes for them to open the score when Lalthanpuia (14) made a very good run from the right and scored the first goal for TT FC.
Life sports managed to mount a very good attack of their own one minute later and came very close to scoring the equalizer. Kobu (14) found himself facing an open goal. The keeper of Aizawl had committed himself into a tackle on the edge of his penalty area and left his goal open, but Kobu’s shot was blocked by Lallawmzuala (6) and Life Sports missed a great opportunity to come back into the match.
Life Sports struggled to bring the game under control and permitted the TT FC players to run free on the flanks. This allowed Albert (7) to whip in a good low cross from the right into the path of Malsawmzuala (15) who turned and took a quick snap shot and scored the second goal for Mizoram on the 22nd minute. Only a minute after the second goal, TTFC scored their third goal when Lalthanpuia (14) found himself with only the keeper to beat. He clinically curled the ball into the net and extended the margin. Life Sports were unable to combine well among themselves and gave the ball away too easily in midfield. Aizawl took advantage of this and capitalised in the 44th minute when Zothansanga (28) completed another clinical finish when he curled the ball into the net form 32 yards.
ROYAL CUP
1st Semi-finals
Result:
Life sports – 0
TTFC Aizawl – 5
If the local fans thought there was ever a slight chance of a comeback by their team in the second half, then they were bitterly disappointed. TT FC managed to extend their lead just six minutes after the second half when they were awarded a free kick just outside the opposition’s box. David (8) stepped up to take the spot kick and with pinpoint accuracy put the ball into the net and gave his team an unassailable lead. Life Sports made an effort to reduce the deficit, but the Mizoram’s defence stood firm and did not allow any meaningful attempts to materialize.
In some ways it was disappointing for the home fans, as they would have anticipated a hard fought match. But the reigning champions played better football and were technically much better than their opponents and they fully deserved their win.
Today’s match:
2nd Semi-finals
Peren Dist. Sports Assn
Vs
Mizoram Youth Team
Time: 1:00 pm
