DSK Shivajians-LIFA beat Mohun Bagan in Subroto Cup

DSK Shivajians -- LIFA wrapped up their maiden Subroto Cup football tournament campaign with a 4-2 comeback victory over Mohun Bagan in a thrilling encounter in the Under-17 boy's category here on Saturday.

The result meant that DSK Shivajians -- LIFA finish their first-ever Subroto Cup with three points from their four matches, having lost three and won one, as they currently sit in the fourth place in Pool G.

A brace by Laldawndkima either side of the half time break followed by two goals in two minutes by Zawnhmingthanga and Umer Sayed, respectively, late in the second half ensured that DSK Shivajians -- LIFA take all three points, which were also their first points in the tournament, from their last Pool G encounter.

Coming back from a two goal deficit in the first half, DSK Shivajians -- LIFA were quick in transitioning the play from defence to attack, which caused numerous problems for the Kolkata-based outfit. It was, however, Mohun Bagan who started the match with a bright spark as they opened the scoring in the second minute of the match.

An early corner was delivered to the near post in the box which took a deflection off a Mohun Bagan player and fell kindly to Asifuddin Molla for an easy tap in to make it 0-1 for the Kolkata team.

DSK Shivajians -- LIFA, a goal behind, tried to force the issue and nearly found a breakthrough in the 14th minute when Sudipta Malkar delivered an inch-perfect cross towards Omkar More, but the defender intervened to clear the ball.

In the 22nd minute, Asifuddin Molla intercepted a pass in DSK Shivajians -- LIFA's half and ran towards the goal before unleashing a powerful shot, which took a deflection off Tapas Pal on its way to the back of the net to double Mohun Bagan's lead.

The Pune-based club bounced back almost immediately when Asraf Mondal found Batskhem Nongsiej in the box, with the latter's header just inches away from the far post.

DSK Shivajians -- LIFA's constant attacking efforts paid off right before the break when Batskhem found Laldawndkima with a lofted pass, who then chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to pull a goal back.

Mohun Bagan went into the half time break with a 1-2 lead in the entertaining encounter.

DSK Shivajians -- LIFA started the second half the way they ended their first, with a goal. Impressive combination play between Sudipta and Zawnhmingthanga was followed by a through ball towards Laldawndkima, who made no mistake in slotting the ball into the back of the net, bringing his team level in the process.

Both teams then engaged in an end-to-end battle for supremacy, with DSK Shivajians -- LIFA keeping more of the ball. However, it was not until the 65th minute that the Pune team took the lead.

A deflected ball from the left flank fell to Zawnhmingthanga, who unleashed a well placed shot from 25 yards out into the top corner for his first goal of the tournament.

A minute later, Umer Sayed picked up the ball in the middle of the park and dribbled towards the goal. After beating a couple of defenders, he took a powerful shot from 30 yards out to score and seal DSK Shivajians -- LIFA's first victory in the tournament.

--IANS

dm/tri/bg