Navi Mumbai: Meghalaya scripted history by beating Odisha 1-0 on Tuesday to lift the Coca-Cola Cup, the national under-16 sub-junior football tournament trophy, at the Father Agnels School.
The state had never won a National Football Championship before be it senior, junior or sub-junior.
A lone goal from Player-of-the-Match Ronald Nonglait in the 35th minute proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Meghalaya dominated the entire match, witnessed by batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and India football captain Sunil Chettri, but could not convert several opportunities, with Odisha creating minimal chances.
Apart from a second minute chance for Odisha, it was one-way traffic as the team from the North East made all the plays and created chance after chance.
Meghalaya had the majority of the possession, however stubborn defending by Odisha meant that the game remained tied 0-0 until well into the first half.
However, Ronald showed the way to his team mates, finishing a beautiful move by Meghalaya.
Coming from the right, he beat a defender and slotted the ball past the Odisha keeper.
Odisha, to their credit, fought back and were more enterprising in the second half but Meghalaya’s defence kept them at bay.
In the end, Meghalaya held on to their narrow lead and, with the final whistle, broke into joyous rapture.
Meghalaya coach Jefferey Walarpih complimented his boys for the achievement, saying, “It was a tough challenge. After all it’s an U-16 tournament and I need to laud my boys for the manner in which they responded. They deserve the title much more than anyone.”
All India Football Federation Vice-President Larsing Ming Sawyan, who is also the Secretary of the Meghalaya Football Association, congratulated the triumphant squad.
“The boys have done a wonderful job. They have won a National Championship. We are very proud of them,” he said.
AIFF technical director Rob Baan congratulated the Meghalaya team.
“Congratulations to the Meghalaya team who have proven their prowess on the field today. I wish them all the best for the future, as they get ready to reach higher echelons of success in the sport and represent the national team someday,” the Dutchman said.
“This tournament has been instrumental in not just providing a platform for budding footballers but also encouraging many others to take to the sport and hence, acting as a catalyst to promote football in the country,” he added.
Chhetri said he felt “nostalgic” watching the boys play.
“Not long back, I was also playing in age-group tournaments. I felt nostalgic seeing them play. There was a great display of talent and I wish they achieve their dreams,” he said.
The AIFF will shortlist 40 players from the tournament for the national under-16 football camp. (IANS)