By Shoubhik Mukhopadhyay
I-League Media Team

GOLAGHAT: While the bigwigs of Indian football are jostling and fighting it out at the middle till the last breath to get a grasp of the exquisite Hero I-League trophy, the 2nd division League concludes in Assam, showing up some great football skills as well as prodigies who could etch their names in Indian football book, provided that they keep their head right on their shoulders.

The 2nd Division League has already chosen its triumphant side on last matchday while Lonestar Kahsmir could not register a win against Kenkre, on the other hand Aizawl FC, the Blue half of Aizawl, thumped local rival Chanmari FC by an unassailable margin of 4-2 and took an irrefutable 4 points lead over Lonestar Kashmir FC, hence clinching the silverware having played one match less.

Today, PIFA and Kenkre 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 came out as the better team, thanks to the scoreline 5-4 in favour of them.

Lonestar Kashmir FC lacked motivation and bowed down to Red half of Aizawl by the solitary goal. Myriad misses over last two fixtures hurt the Kashmir outfit most and they must go to the dark room for a thorough introspection ahead of the next season.

Albeit the tie had little consequence and little to deliver to the league table, it carried huge significance as myriad battles were to be fought on-field and issues were to be averted. Black Panthers were straight in the money on 9 minutes while Binejdra Rai netted the first. The heat was taking both sides’ toll and they were tested heavily under the scorching sun. Mohammedan SC 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 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 from the 6 yard box. Mohammedan SC box was scathed; they started to panic and gifted a penalty just 3 minutes later. William, the fox, blasted the roof of the net and drew parity in the scoreline. 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 defence to find the 3rd goal for his team on 65 minutes. Crowd went berserk as the bench. Mohammedan SC were slipping from the match too fast and Aizawl FC were affirming their grip, having finished it on the dying minutes while Laldampuia netted their fourth goal. The Mohammedan SC side who were roaring at the first half, fell overwhelmed and their campaign ended on a low.

Aizawl FC finished the 2nd Division League with 34 points, 7 points clear of 2nd placed Lonestar Kashmir FC. Mohammedan SC had to be satisfied with 26 points on the third spot followed by Chanmari FC who are just 1 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.

Who’s who of Golaghat Sports Association attended the post-match ceremony and none other than Sjta. 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. The honchos along with Mr. Ankur Dutta, Secretary, AFA and Mr. Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League were felicitated and eventually the winners were coronated with the coveted trophy and medallions.

Mr. Robert R Royte, President of Aizawl Football Club 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 Mr. Sunando Dhar.

Ankur Dutta, Secretary, AFA was one of the busy heads behind staging the 2nd leg of 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 Mr. Sanjib Handiqe, Gen. Secretary, Mr. Porikshit Dutta, Asst. Gen Secretary, Mr. Dinesh Gogoi, VP, Mr. Biswajyoti Baruah, Cricket Secretary and Mr. Ajoy Bharali, Footbal Secretary have toiled hard along with AIFF to make the mega-event successful and end of the day, we must say that their hard work paid off brilliantly.