MARGAO: Mizoram’s squad for the National under-21 football Championship final against Punjab contains many youngsters whose command in football is clear and precise. Captained by David Lalthansanga, the north-eastern players have such control over the ball that each one revels in outsmarting opponents during one-to-one situations.
Punjab is familiar with the Mizo all-out attacks, picking up pace in the midfield and opening up routes to the goal on individual skills.
Mizoram deserves the respect any finalist team should get. It has scored many goals so far in the tournament.
“We have a plan and know which players to mark,” said Punjab coach Kuldip Singh, whose side has a Mizo in Lalchhuanmawia, rated to be bright enough for a draft into the JCT Academy.
Talent spotters
Mizo captain Lalthansanga, Lalrinfela and Lalthamuana have attracted the attention of talent spotters representing Goan and Mumbai I-League clubs Churchill Brothers, Sporting Clube, Mahindra United.
“I wish the big clubs had waited for the event to end before sounding out our youngsters, many of whom are playing for the first time outside the state.
“It can be a distraction, though the money on offer can also be a motivation for those under watch in the final,” reasoned manager Benjamin Khangte.
The decider on Saturday at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, is Mizoram’s first entry into the under-21 category final at the national level.
Confident coach
Coach H. Lalmuanpuia is confident about his wards rising to the occasion, extending form shown in the quarterfinal league to defeat Bengal, Goa and Assam before overcoming Haryana in the semifinal.
Punjab’s progress to the final has been low-key, doing just enough to qualify as the topper in the quarterfinal league, ahead of Kerala, Meghalaya and Haryana.
Source: THE HINDU
Punjab is familiar with the Mizo all-out attacks, picking up pace in the midfield and opening up routes to the goal on individual skills.
Mizoram deserves the respect any finalist team should get. It has scored many goals so far in the tournament.
“We have a plan and know which players to mark,” said Punjab coach Kuldip Singh, whose side has a Mizo in Lalchhuanmawia, rated to be bright enough for a draft into the JCT Academy.
Talent spotters
Mizo captain Lalthansanga, Lalrinfela and Lalthamuana have attracted the attention of talent spotters representing Goan and Mumbai I-League clubs Churchill Brothers, Sporting Clube, Mahindra United.
“I wish the big clubs had waited for the event to end before sounding out our youngsters, many of whom are playing for the first time outside the state.
“It can be a distraction, though the money on offer can also be a motivation for those under watch in the final,” reasoned manager Benjamin Khangte.
The decider on Saturday at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, is Mizoram’s first entry into the under-21 category final at the national level.
Confident coach
Coach H. Lalmuanpuia is confident about his wards rising to the occasion, extending form shown in the quarterfinal league to defeat Bengal, Goa and Assam before overcoming Haryana in the semifinal.
Punjab’s progress to the final has been low-key, doing just enough to qualify as the topper in the quarterfinal league, ahead of Kerala, Meghalaya and Haryana.
Source: THE HINDU
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