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AIFF U-17 Colts crowned Champions of Subroto Cup 2015

AIFF U-17 Colts

AIFF U-17 Colts

The AIFF U-17 Colts were crowned Champions of the Subroto Cup 2015 today (October 16, 2015) at the Ambedkar Stadium in the Capital as they pummeled Manipur Junior State Team 4-1 in the Finals of the competition.

With the legendary Pelé watching from the sidelines, the AIFF Colts made a spectacular come-back as they came back from a goal down to win the match.

Coming on the back of a 2-0 win against Indonesia, the AIFF U-17 boys conceded an early goal in the 6th minute as Manipur blasted home their opportunity.

Not to be deterred the AIFF colts mounted their own attacks shortly after. In the 11th minute Edmund found Bedeshwor in an attempt to release him on goal, but the latter was caught in defensive music. Seconds later Bodo tried to chip the Manipuri custodian, however the custodian was a fraction too early and plucked the ball safely in his clutches.

With the Indian defence thwarting the Manipuri attacks, the AIFF midfield tired to split open the Manipuri defence line with exquisite through balls.

After wriggling past the opposition defence, Edmund shot onto goal, but the lanky forward’ shot was inches wide of the intended target in the 18th minute.

The AIFF U-17 Colts equalized in the 25th minute as Jaya’s delicious cross-in, after a lung-bursting run, was tapped home by Bodo. The AIFF Colts were unable to breach the Manipuri defence lines for the remaining time and both teams went into the tunnel at half-time on level pegging. 1-1 the score-line read.

Changing over and the AIFF colts came close to taking the lead, second after re-start as Bodo’s shot came agonizingly close to the goal. Seven minutes later, the AIFF U-17 boys were fostered a brilliant opportunity to take the lead as a whipped in cross from the right flank failed to be converted by Bedeshwor, with the goal at his mercy.

With the AIFF U-17 Colts piling pressure and taking the game by the scruff of its neck, whilst dominating possession, attacks on the Manipuri defence came in plenty. An Ashraf free-kick in the 46th minute of the edge of the penalty box flew inches over the bar, after ricocheting off the Manipuri wall.

It was only a matter of time for the AIFF Colts to score and score they did in the 54th minute with style. Rahul Yadav took matter into his own hand and un-leashed a swirling shot from 25yards which went past the Manipuri custodian to give the AIFF team a narrow lead.

Seconds after the restart, the AIFF Colts scored again. This time Edmund slotted the ball past the Manipuri custodian to give the colts a two goal advantage.

Shortly after, the AIFF U-17 boys were awarded a penalty kick and Nijwm slotted it comfortably past the Manipuri custodian to give a three goal lead cushion.

Thereafter it was all about patience for the AIFF U-17 team and at the end of time the score-line read 4-1 as the AIFF U-17 Colts lifted the coveted Subroto Cup.

(Report & Photo courtesy AIFF Media)