Seven time champions Nagaland Police knocked out

Kohima | November 24 : Mizoram Youth Team defeated seven time champions, Nagaland Police by a single goal in the third quarter-final match of the Royal Cup in Kohima. It was a lively and competitive match as both teams managed to keep each other at bay and the match eventually went into extra time as both teams failed to score in the allotted ninety minutes.
Nagaland Police started the match with some intent and produced the first chance within seconds when Joseph (8) connected well with his boot, but his shot was blocked. They came very close to scoring the first goal in the 6th minute when Ninja Kabui (15) managed to rattle the post with his shot. Mizoram held on and soon they also had their share of chances. The most notable one came in the 38th minute when Lalzruateela (2) met the ball sent in from a corner kick by Lalrindika (18), but his header was palmed away by the keeper.
The second half of the match started just as the first, with both teams sharing an equal share of the ball. Lalrammuanpuia (6) of Mizoram made a good run into the opposition’s box in the 46th minute and took a shot at goal, but the ball sailed over the crossbar. Then, Yapang (9) of Nagaland Police forced the Mizo keeper to make a diving save in the 49th minute. Nagaland came close again five minutes later when Visakholie (10) found himself with some space on the left, but he failed to connect the ball properly and miscued his shot allowing the keeper to easily collect the ball. This proved to be the only real chance that Nagaland managed to create because Mizoram took control of the game and began to combine well in midfield.  Their fast pace and agility put the Nagaland defence under a lot of pressure and made some serious threat in front of the opposition’s goal. But all that effort failed to yield any results and the teams were on even keel at the end of the ninety minutes of play.  The winning goal finally came in the 9th minute of extra time through Edenthara (7) when he headed the ball into the net and gave his team a very well deserved win.

Today’s Match:
AIM FC, Imphal
Vs
TT Aizawl FC, Mizoram
Time: 1:00 pm
 
ROYAL CUP

24th Nov 2011
Result:
Mizoram Youth Team, Aizawl: 1
Nagaland Police: 0