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In an epic encounter in the finals of the Independent Day Football Tournament, Aizawl FC pulled a clean sweep in both the men’s and women’s tournament by winning against a tough Ramhlun North FC on penalties at the Lammual Stadium in Aizawl, Mizoram.
As expected Aizawl FC started as the brighter of the two but it wasn’t long before the “balanced football” of Ramhlun North FC began to show, but it stayed goalless at the end of the first half.
The second half saw Ramhlun North FC utilising their wide-men to great effect stretching the Aizawl FC backline on counter attacks. And the tactical change seemed to prove dividends as Ramhlun North FC soon had a goal disallowed because of an offside call, only to take the lead a few minutes later when Lalruatfela put his team ahead in the 76th minute.
Aizawl FC were niw desperate for the equaliser and they had a go at their opponents but it seemed lady luck had passed them bye as they missed two gilt-edged chances and hit the goalpost as well. When it seemed Ramhlun North FC were just mere seconds away from a historic victory, but then cometh the saviour of Aizawl FC in the form of Bright Middleton Mends who scored in the dying minutes of stoppage time.
As the two teams went into extra-time, fatigue was evident and as a result both teams couldn’t create any chances and the scoreline remaining one-all, now the game went into penalties.
Aizawl FC went first and Chullova duly converted his spot-kick and so did the next 6 players from both teams.
After it went to 6-6 in sudden death, defender Lalruatthara, who would soon be playing for the Delhi Dynamos on loan in the ISL, stepped up and converted the seventh spot kick for Aizawl FC. Ramhlun North FC striker Vanrammawia then stepped up, looked calm and composed only to send his spot kick wide of OP-A’s goal.
The Aizawl FC players were ecstatic knowing they had won the Independence Day Trophy and the celebrations began.
Champions Aizawl FC bagged the I-Day Trophy and the prize money of Rs. 100,000 (1 lakh) as well as the Fair Play Award. Runner’s-up Ramhlun North FC earned Rs. 50,000 and the runners-up trophy.
Zosangliana Sailo was voted Best Player and Laldampuia of Chanmari West FC was the top scorer with four goals in the tournament.
