AIFF Media Team

NEW DELHI:  An enthralling 4-4 stalemate between AIFF U-17 Academy and U-20 St. Cruz of Cavellossim, in Fatorda, Goa provided a perfect eye-candy for spectators as both Teams, albeit entwining in a stalemate, showcased skill and acumen in a lively affair on Monday (May 4, 2015).

The U-17 Academy Boys dominated the match as they exhibited a dazzling array of footballing-guile and shrewdness, cleverly outfoxing their opponents throughout the match.

The numerous opportunities fostered by the U-17 Boys, which were concluded with shots on the target, did not see the light of day except four, as the opposing Goalkeeper Tamaal put on an inspired shift and thwarted every effort.

Mohan opened the scoring for the Academy boys when the fleet-footed forward robbed a defender of possession, harried his way into the opposing defence and blasted the ball into the back of the net, leaving Tamaal clueless.

The Academy boys doubled their lead minutes later when Bodo was brought down in the penalty box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Without collywobbles Bodo confidently scored from the spot kick and grabbed a two goal advantage for the Academy boys.

The U-20 boys started to sense that the Game was slipping away, like sand from a tight fist, out of their hands and averred their competence in the match straightaway by plucking up a Goal to halve the deficit.

At half-time the scoreline read 2-1 in favor of the U-17 Boys.

The second forty five minutes saw both Teams entwine in end to end stuff. And goals came in plenty for both contingents.

The U-20 boys catapulted themselves and scored three goals in the second half, which however were cancelled by a quick fire brace by Edmund, resulting in the match being an entertaining and engrossing 4-4 stalemate at the end of time.