Mizoram Police FC clinch Super Cup for first time

KOLKATA: Mizoram Police FC and Chanmari FC fought on equal terms for 120 minutes before the former overcame the challenge of the Shylo Malsawmtluanga-coached side through penalty shootout to clinch the Lalbiakliana Memorial MFA Super Cup for the first time.
In the summit clash of the tournament, that was played at the Lammual Stadium in Aizawl on Friday evening, there were not many clear-cut openings as the scoreline remained goalless after regulation and extra time.
Chanmari FC's Lalnunzama saw his spot-kick stopped in the penalty shootout by rival goalkeeper Lalmuanawma to give Mizoram Police FC 4-2 victory after Rochhingpuia had also earlier missed the first penalty.
Apart from the trophy, champions Mizoram Police FC were richer by Rs 1,50,000 while runners-up Chanmari FC got Rs 50,000.
This was the first title won by Mizoram Police FC, who dominated Mizoram football in the 1980s and 1990s, since 2012.
The two losing semifinalists --- Bethlehem Vengthlang FC and Electric Veng FC --- got Rs 15,000 each while Mizoram Police FC also won the fair-play award.
This tournament was also Mizoram football legend Malsawmtluanga's --- who is often regarded as the Godfather of Mizoram football --- first major assignment as a coach and it must be said that he did well to guide his team to the final of the tournament.
The focus now shifts to the Independence Day Football Tournament --- the most prestigious Cup competition in the state of Mizoram --- which is scheduled to start on Monday (August 5). Mizoram Police FC and Chanmari FC are set to clash again in that tournament as they have been drawn together in the same group.