by
The Western India Football Association XI (WIFA XI) recorded an easy win over the Mizoram XI by a scoreline of 2-0 with the goals coming on either side of half-time, in an exhibition match that was organized at the Cooperage in Mumbai on Thursday evening.
Mizoram, who are the reigning Santosh Trophy champions, started the sprightlier with goal scoring opportunities cannoning off the woodwork in the early stages. WIFA’s goalkeeper, Harshad Meher, was especially impressive pulling off quite a few dazzling saves.
The away team’s bad luck was to be further compounded as the WIFA XI took the lead through Linekar Machado, who was opportunistic enough to pounce on a rebound and tuck it past goalkeeper Lalawmpuia to ensure his side went in to the break with the initiative.
Though Mizoram did ensure a fight back after the interval, they weren’t able break their duck and paid the penalty in the 72nd minute, as pandemonium in the visiting team’s goalmouth allowed WIFA’s Mohammed Shafique to double the advantage. And that’s how the score line stayed with WIFA running out the winners.
This event will be organized as an annual affair where the Santosh trophy champions will be invited to joust with the WIFA XI.
Source – Goal.com
