Kolkata: Mizoram defeated Odisha side 5-0 in their second match of the Santosh Trophy final round at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium, Kolkata.
Goals for Mizoram were netted by midfielder Lalromawia, Lalbiakhlua, Malsawmdawngliana and F. Lalrinpuia.
Odisha got the first goal scoring chance of the match in the fourth minute when skipper Arjun Nayak attempted a header from Karthikach Bhola’s corner. Unfortunately, the ball struck the crossbar and came back.
The phase between 20-25 minutes saw Mizoram squandering five genuine goal scoring opportunities to create pressure inside Odisha’s penalty box.
The deadlock finally broke in the 37th minute when Zomuanpuia headed the ball into the net from Lalrinpuia’s cross from the left.
Lalromawia increased the lead in the 41st minute and went into the break with the scoreboard, flashing 2-0 in favour of Mizoram.
Lalsangzuala’s men started the second half with greater intensity and looked hungry for more goals.
Mizoram’s attacking mindset yielded them their third goal of the match. Lalromawia scored yet again in the 59th minute.
Their lead further increased in the 73rd minute when Odisha’s goalkeeper Ejazuddin Khan came out of his line. Malsawmdawngliana kept his composure and pushed the ball into an empty net.
Mizoram hit the final nail in the 91st minute, thanks to a strike from F. Lalrinpuia.
They will next face Punjab on March 24 at Howrah Stadium, while Odisha will meet Karnataka on the same day at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium.
ANI