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Madhya Pradesh blank Gujarat, qualify for Sub-Junior Nationals Final

Madhya Pradesh blank Gujarat, qualify for Sub-Junior Nationals Final (Photo courtesy: Goa Football Association)

Madhya Pradesh blanked Gujarat 3-0 in the Sub-Junior National Football Championship for Boys (West Zone) organised by the Goa Football Association (GFA) in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Friday.

Suraj Vishwakarma netted a brace while Chandr Mohan scored the other for Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh dominated both the sessions. Vijender Kumar had a good chance to score in the early minutes after Suraj Vishwakarma played a beautiful through ball however, the former shot wide from touching distance.

Moments later, Madhya Pradesh scored the first goal of the match through Chandr Mohan after his shot got deflected off a Gujarat defender and went in the goal. Suraj Vishwakarma looked to double his team’s lead but to his misfortune his shot hit the crossbar and bounced on the goal line before Gujarat keeper Sahil Devani collected the ball.

Gujarat earned a free-kick just outside the D area. Parth Badgo curling effort was denied with a diving effort by Madhya Pradesh keeper Aman Rai.

Gujarat’s attacks were foiled either by Madhya Pradesh’s midfield or the defenders. Madhya Pradesh midfield was at its best supplying good deliveries to their front men.

At lemon break Madhya Pradesh led 1-0.

In the second half, Madhya Pradesh had a good chance to score in the first minute itself but their striker Chandr Mohan fumbled when it matter most.

Suraj Vishwakarma finally got his name on the scoresheet after he shot a right footed free kick under the Gujarat wall into the bottom right corner of the goal. Gujarat keeper Sahil Devani could have done better to keep the ball out.

Chirag Sabani then wasted another chance after he shot the ball over the cross bar. Suraj Vishwakarma then completed his brace with a long range effort. Gujarat keeper Sparsh Goel couldn’t do much to deny him.

Laishram Meitel was a rock in the Madhya Pradesh defence. Gujarat’s defender Arya Gupta saved his team from getting more thrashing with some exceptional defending.