The Hindu : Sport : West Bengal, Mizoram score facile wins

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005

Sport

Sport

West Bengal, Mizoram score facile wins

M.R. Praveen Chandran

— Photo: S. Mahinsha

CUTTING THROUGH: Dipendu Biswas breaches the Andhra defence and is all set to score for Bengal.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: West Bengal and Mizoram set up an intriguing clash in Cluster VIII after both teams warmed up for the derby with easy wins at the Chandrasekharan Nair stadium on Monday.

Statistically, Mizoram is better placed and needs just a draw to qualify for the quarterfinal stage but 29-time champion Bengal showed flashes of its ominous form in the 3-0 win over Andhra Pradesh.

Mizoram overcame a slow start to bring down highflying Nagaland down to earth with a 3-1 win. Earlier Gujarat made exit from the tournament as it drew with Jharkhand 2-2 in Cluster V.

Nabi's day out

Bengal at half pace packed enough punch to knock out Andhra Pradesh. The former champion attacked in fits and starts and it was the brilliance of striker Syed Rahim Nabi that gave them a respectable victory. The former TFA trainee had a hand in all the three goals for Bengal.

The striker struck a good combination with Dipendu Biswas as Bengal found its rhythm quite early in the match. Bengal went ahead in the ninth minute when Nabi made his way into the penalty box from left and centred to Dipendu Biswas who nodded home. However, Bengal failed to sustain its early momentum as Andhra had more of the ball in the midfield. The moves from Andhra were sporadic and lacked conviction to test the Bengal defence.

Bengal scored in the 64th minute through Sasthi Duley who slammed home the rebound that came to him after goalkeeper Habeeb Khan had parried away a stiff right footer from Nabi.

Nabi capped a fine day for him by scoring the third goal in the 88th minute.

Naga hopes dashed

Two goals in space of one minute by Mizoram ended Nagaland's dreams. Vanalrova (59th) and P.C.Lalmingliana (60th) struck in succession to kill what appeared to be keen contest.

The fast moving Mizoram had Nagland in knots. But it was Nagaland which went ahead against the run of play in the 20th minute. A fast break on the right flank saw Yapeng splitting the Mizoram defence and his on-the-run shot hit the far post and went inside.

Influential midfielder Malsawmtluga made his presence felt in the middle as Mizoram bombarded the rival goal. Rober Lalthlamuana floated in a free-kick which kissed the cross piece and went out in the 27th minute. Jerry Zirsanga headed in the equaliser for Mizoram in the 32nd minute after connecting a high cross by P.C.Lalhmingliana.

Earlier in the morning, Gujarat earned a creditable draw against Jharkhand. Vimal Paliyar (48th & 85th) scored a brace for Jharkhand. Vishnu Chauhan (5th) and Mehul Rana (86th) scored for Gujarat.

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