GMHS-36 stumble on last hurdle

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 6

Government Model High School (GMHS), Sector 36, stumbled on the last hurdle as they lost to Afghanistan boys in the penalty shootout to finish runners-up in the 58th Subroto Cup Football Tournament at New Delhi today. 

In the final, played at the Dr Ambedkar Stadium, the city boys lost 5-4 on penalties to Astqlal, Kabul, after the two teams failed to break the deadlock in the regulation time.  

Ali, Mortaza, Mahdi, Farid and Baktas gave no chance to GMHS custodian Harry as Astqlal Kabul maintained a cent per cent record in the tie-breaker. 

For the Chandigarh outfit, only Pritam, Balraj, Amandeep and L Sibijit could score.

Earlier, the intensity of the final was palpable as both teams started off on a positive note, making regular intrusions into each others’ territories.    

However, a tight defence at both ends meant that both teams had to put in extra effort to take a lead.   

At the start of the second half, Afghanistan boys made some good moves, particularly from the right wing. But, each time, their strikers failed to draw advantage.  

With the stalemate continuing for long, both teams went defensive towards in end, eventually forcing the match into penalty shootout. 

Awards 

Best Player: Nepolean (Government Model High School, Sector 36, Chandigarh) 

Best Goalkeeper: Hasibullah (Astaqlal, Kabul) Best Coach: Wahidullah Wahidi (Astaqlal, Kabul) Fair Play: Government Chawnefianga Middle School, Saidan, Kolasib, Mizoram