Nijwm late goal seals win over Academy Boys of FC Dordrecht

After battling through 80 minutes (match was of 80 minutes duration), the U-16 colts got their reward through striker Nijwm who struck a neat right-footer low to the goalkeeper’s left after collecting possession just outside the box, with the match in its extra life.

The hosts got the first corner of the match which was easily cleared by AIFF U-16’s backline. Moments later AIFF’s boys got a free kick from a good position but Anirudh Thapa dragged it wide.

The Kalyani Academy Boys who recently took part in the Asia U-16 Champions Trophy were dictating play in the middle of the park and Nijwm Muchahary sent in a warning shot that warmed the gloves of rival goalkeeper.

Bedashwor Singh missed the best chance of the half soon after, skewing wide of rival keeper’s goal from the edge of the six yard box after intercepting well from rival defender deep into their half.

Chances were few for both the teams in the second half. Coach Goutam Ghosh tried to get the game by the scruff of the collar by ringing in a host of fresh legs. It paid dividends in the five minutes of added time.

Nijwm took advantage of some good play in midfield to collect possession on the edge of the area. The striker then went past two defenders with aplomb to send in a thunderous left-footer low to the keeper’s left.

AIFF XI: Dheeraj Singh (Subrata Das – 80th), Jayananda Singh, Amit Tudu, Amey Ranawade, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Prosenjit Chakraborty (Keke – 79th), Anirudh Thapa (Kishan Singh – 80+4), Deependra Singh Negi (Bodo Baoringdao – 54th), Surya Tirkey (Edmund Lalrindika – 79th), Bedashwor Singh (Krishna Pandit – 79th), Nijwm Muchahary.