Mhalo scored four goals for the Nagaland girls’ team as they defeated Sainik School 5-1 in their final league match of the ongoing 63rd edition of the U-17 girls’ Subroto Cup 2024 in New Delhi on Thursday. However, the victory was not enough for Nagaland to advance further, as NCC Aizawl won 9-0 against Air Force School, surpassing Nagaland on goal difference to secure a place in the knockout stage. Consequently, NCC Aizawl emerged as the group toppers, with Nagaland finishing as runners-up in Group G.
Despite being undefeated in the tournament, the Nagaland team will return home.
In the final league match, Mhalo scored four goals in the 7th, 11th, 25th, and 45th minutes. Akhrienuo added a goal in the 14th minute for Nagaland, while Riya scored a consolation goal for Sainik School during extra time, ending the match 5-1.
The Nagaland team, represented by Government High School Mereima and led by N. Bijim Konyak, with team manager William Koso, impressed with their performance. Coach Bijim expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, noting that they had given their all. However, he acknowledged that NCC Aizawl’s higher goal tally secured their advancement to the knockout stage.
Coach Bijim also appreciated the Department of Youth Resources and Sports for providing the team with the opportunity to compete outside the state and expressed hope that the players would perform even better in the coming years.
In Pool-G, Nagaland played against NCC, Sainik School, and Air Force School. The team drew 0-0 with Home Mission School and Mizo BN NCC Aizawl, defeated Air Force School 2-0, and won 5-1 against Sainik School in the league matches. Despite these results, NCC Aizawl advanced to the knockout stages on goal difference.
Earlier, the U-17 Nagaland boys’ team also remained unbeaten with two draws and two wins, but Manipur advanced to the semifinals of the junior national football championship due to better results.
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