Shillong: Mizoram broke the hearts of Meghalaya’s fans but delighted their own fans by winning the final 2-1 in the U-21 men’s football competition at the 2nd North East Olympic Games 2022 at the MFA turf, Polo Ground, here on Wednesday.
After a goalless but tense first half, Rohlupuia scored for Mizoram in the 54th minute, followed by Malsawmtluanga in the 80th. Oresterwell Langshiang scored a goal for the hosts seven minutes later, but they couldn’t find another.
The grounds were packed and some spectators had waited for hours under the scorching sun to get their tickets, which were free but limited in number. The fans were subdued before the match, conserving their energy to cheer whenever a player’s name was read.
Expecting a large crowd, the Meghalaya Football Association erected giant screens at the nearby First Ground for fans unable to secure a seat at the Polo Ground to watch the match live streamed.
Meghalaya looked a little nervous at the start, with a fragile defense and a little uncertain passing, which was understandable given the enormous pressure and hope placed on them.
The first 10 minutes were all Mizoram’s but then the home side started to come together.
The game came to life in the second half, when Rohlupuia’s shot deflected a defender and wrong-footed the goalkeeper, Rajat Paul Lyngdoh, before going into the net.
Meghalaya then had several chances of her own, but Everbrightson Mylliempdah missed a tap and Figo Syndai went wide with a header and was tapped again by the opposing goalkeeper.
Immediately after the final incident, Mizoram quickly countered left with a cross to the center where Mawawmtluanga collected it, swerved past a defender and scored.
With 10 minutes to play, Meghalaya had a lot going for them, but they got a little lucky when the Mizoram keeper spilled a cross and the waiting Oresterwell Langshiang was able to squeeze it in.
Despite being cheered on by their fans, Meghalaya could not find the equalizer and the match went to Mizoram, whose fans packed up part of the ground.
Earlier, mighty Manipur won the U-17 women’s gold by beating Arunachal Pradesh 4-0 in the 9am kick-off. The bronze medals went to Manipur (U-21 men) and Mizoram (U-17 women), who won their respective third-place games yesterday.
Individual prizes were also awarded. In the Women’s U-17 category, they were Keisham Melody Chanu from Manipur (Gold Glove), Loktongbam Shelia Devi from Manipur (Gold Boot), Angel Tamang from Arunachal Pradesh (Player of the Tournament).
In the Men’s U-21 category, H Lalrinzuala of Mizoram was awarded the Golden Glove, Joseph Lalvenhima of Mizoram was awarded the Golden Boot and Figo Syndai of Meghalaya was awarded the Player of the Tournament.
Meghalaya Prime Minister Conrad K Sangma attended the medal ceremony. Also in attendance were Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang.
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