Picture courtesy: I-League Media

The 2nd Division League concluded on Saturday in Assam, showing some great skills as well as prodigies who could etch their names in Indian football history, provided that they keep their head right on their shoulders.

The 2nd Division League has already chosen its triumphant side in the penultimate matchday Round 13 when LoneStar Kashmir FC could not register a win against Kenkre FFC, while Aizawl FC thumped local rivals Chanmari FC by a 4-2 margin took an irrefutable four points lead over Kashmir FC, hence clinching the silverware.

Today, PIFA and Kenkre FC clashed their swords amid no expectation and they made best use of it. The crowd were the biggest grosser as they witnessed a goal feast today, eventually Kenkre FC came out as the better team, thanks to the 5-4 scoreline in favour of them.

Kashmir FC lacked motivation and bowed down to Chanmari FC by the solitary goal. Myriad misses over last two fixtures hurt the Kashmir outfit most as they must go through a thorough introspection ahead of the next season and return stronger.

Meanwhile champions Aizawl FC faced Mohammedan Sporting Club though little to deliver in the league table, it carried huge significance as myriad battles were to be fought on-field and issues were to be averted. The Black Panthers were straight in the money on 9 minutes while Bijendra Rai netted the first. The heat was taking both sides toll and they were tested heavily under the scorching sun. Mohammedan Sporting striker Adelaja joined the party just 6 minutes after the break and a dull sign-off was looming large for the League champions.

Dr. Birbal Singh and his troop had a completely different script in their disposal and they preferred to play their ace in 49th minute in the likes of William who did no mistake to slot it home inside the 6 yard box. Mohammedan Sporting started to panic and gifted a penalty just 3 minutes later. William, the fox, blasted the roof of the net and drew parity. The Black Panthers were looking wayward and their vigour was significantly missing. Dr. Birbal Singh rested his foreigners today and provided his Indian youngsters a chance to prove themselves. Brandon combined with Imanuel brilliantly and foxed the sluggish Mohammedan Sporting defence to find the third goal for his team on 65 minutes. The crowd went berserk as the bench. Mohammedan Sporting were slipping fast and Aizawl FC were affirming their grip, having finished it in the dying minutes when Laldampuia netted their fourth goal. Mohammedan Sporting who were roaring at the first half, felt overwhelmed and their campaign ended on a low.

Aizawl FC finished the 2nd Division League with 34 points, 7 points clear of second placed LoneStar Kashmir FC. Mohammedan Sporting had to be satisfied with 26 points in third spot followed by Chanmari FC who are just one point shy of them. The authority of Aizawl FC, who have netted 45 goals in 14 outings, can be underlined by their sheer scoring ability and swiftness in counter attack.

The who’s who of Golaghat Sports Association attended the post-match ceremony and none other than Ajanta Neog, Hon. PWD, LAW and P&D Minister, was present by herself to encourage the youngsters. Chief Justice of Assam, Vice-President, AFA and Additional District Collector, Golaghat took out their time to be present. They along with Assam FA secretary Ankur Dutta and I-League CEO Sunando Dhar were felicitated and eventually the winners were coronated with the coveted trophy and medallions.

Robert R. Royte, President of Aizawl FC was present throughout and cheered his heart out for his boys. He was all elated by the victory but he is very cautious to stay on his feet for the upcoming season. “Aizawl FC victory to become the first I-League club from Mizoram is the victory of all Mizo people across the globe. I thank the AIFF and Assam Football Association and all people involved in the success of the 2nd Division League 2014-15 and also appreciated the hospitality and support given to the team by the people of Golaghat. The Mizo people would like to show the world that Mizoram has tremendous talents and it can be anticipated that Lammual, home ground of Aizawl FC, will host the Hero I-League matches successfully,” he concluded on a higher note before leaving for an in-house meeting with Sunando Dhar.

AFA secretary Ankur Dutta was one of the busy heads behind staging the 2nd-leg of the 2nd Division League in Assam. He vented out his opinion while asked and appreciated Aizawl FC wholeheartedly for their tremendous success. “Mizoram being another state in Hero I-League map emphasizes the abundance of sheer talent in North East and it can only be multiplied with proper guidance,” he added more while asked about Assam’s football prospect, “I hope it’s not very far when we see an Assamese club rubbing their shoulders with Hero I-League clubs an playing up to their potential.”

GDSA office bearers in the likes of Sanjib Handiqe, General Secretary; Porikshit Dutta, Assistant General Secretary; Dinesh Gogoi, VP; Biswajyoti Baruah, Cricket Secretary; and Ajoy Bharali, Football Secretary; have toiled hard along with the AIFF to make the mega-event successful and end of the day, we must say that their hard work paid off brilliantly.

(Report & Picture courtesy I-League Media)