Mizoram secured the final semi-final spot in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship by defeating Assam 5-1 at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Saturday, May 18, 2024. They held a 2-1 lead at halftime.
Following this commanding win, Mizoram is poised to take on Delhi, who advanced past Kerala in a penalty shootout during the third quarter-final. The upcoming match is scheduled for Monday, May 20, 2024, at the same venue. In the other semi-final on the same day, Karnataka will face Manipur at 7:30 AM IST.
Mizoram, displaying impressive form and having scored 15 goals in the group stage, wasted no time settling in as they took the lead through Lalremtluanga’s free kick in just the second minute. Lalremtluanga executed a flawless strike from the left flank, and despite Assam’s goalkeeper Bikiron Dhekial Phukon’s effort to punch it away, the rebound found its way into the back of the net.
However, Assam quickly responded with the equalizer in the 18th minute. Abhinash Boro delivered a precise cross from the right, finding Uttam Limboo perfectly positioned in the center of the box. With a flawless one-touch shot, Limboo leveled the score at 1-1.
From that point on, it was all Mizoram dominating the game. They regained the lead in the 43rd minute when Emanuel Lalhruaizela unleashed a powerful strike from just outside the box, finding the back of the net. It was a remarkable left-footed volley that left the goalkeeper helpless. Lalhruaizela was later awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
After the break, Mizoram continued to assert their dominance over the match. In the 50th minute, Lalro Thlanga extended Mizoram’s lead to 3-1 with a well-placed shot. Just four minutes later, Lalthankima added another goal with a precise right-footed strike that found the left corner of the net.
Lalremtluanga secured his second goal of the match and Mizoram’s fifth in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a cross from the right to find the target.