Tamil Nadu had their noses in front in the first half. Things seemed to be going according to plan. But a goalkeeping blunder in the second half cost them dearly as they lost the plot completely, and subsequently went down 1-3 to Mizoram in extra time in the Santosh Trophy semifinals.
A Raegan netted the opener for Tamil Nadu. Substitute David Lalrinmuana got the equaliser for Mizoram while skipper Zico Zoremsanga headed the second in the first period of extra-time before F Lalrinpuia put the game to bed in the final minute.
As things got underway, it was Tamil Nadu who got off to a bright start as Mizoram players, playing for the first time in the semis, looked nervy. The South Zone champs were sharp and had a better share of the possession. Striker Raegan, midfielder P Sudhakar and winger Karthick sparkled under the sun. The trio had a fair share of chances, but couldn’t convert any.
Though slow off the hooks, Mizoram weren’t entirely bereft of chances. V Laltanpuia went close in the 34th minute, after being set up by Lalfakzuala. Goalkeeper A Arun Pradeep repelled his free header. On many occasions, they lacked fire in the midfield.
This was when coach Vanlalthlanga introduced David, who has been a regular. His introduction energised the midfield but it was Tamil Nadu’s Raegan who put his team ahead just before the first-half whistle.
It was the Sudhakar-Raegan combo yet again who got the goal. Sudhakar flicked on a pass with his head from the middle for Raegan. The latter motored forward with real intent, beat his marker and put it past goalkeeper Lalawmpuia.
After the change of ends, it was all Mizoram as they intently sought the equaliser. David was in the thick of action as he made a lot of interceptions and looked dangerous going forward. But against the run of play, Tamil Nadu nearly doubled their lead around the 58th minute mark as Karthick’s header came off the post after Lalawmpuia’s save.
The equaliser did come in the 60th minute. No one saw it coming though. David went for a long distance shot from the middle of the park. His shot lacked venom. However, goalkeeper Arun misjudged it completely to put Mizoram back on level terms.
The goal turned the tide in Mizoram’s favour. Tamil Nadu never looked like recovering as shots rained in at their end. Zico, Lalfakzuala, Laltanpuia continued to enjoy space in the Tamil Nadu half. The pressure was starting to get the better of most Tamil Nadu players as they committed error after error. Charles Anandraj, S Santha Kumar were culprits on numerous occasions.
Despite consistent pressure from Mizoram, Tamil Nadu managed to hold on as the match went to extra time. But not long after the start of extra time, Mizoram skipper Zico handed them the lead. The keeper, under pressure after the howler, was once again caught flat-footed inside the penalty box. Substitute Lalrinpuia scored a late goal to seal the match for Mizoram.
Happy With Overall Performance: Ranjith
From the time they had their first camp in December last year till the semifinal on Friday, Tamil Nadu had come a long way. The South Zone champs had impressed many to come so far. However, a hard-fought defeat against Mizoram meant their wait for the elusive Santosh Trophy continues. Read more
