Hosts Maharashtra conceded a goal at the death and went down fighting 0-1 to last year’s winners Services in an interesting Group-A league match of the 70thNational Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, conducted by WIFA under the auspices of AIFF, hosted by NDFA and played at the SEC Railway Ground, Nagpur on Sunday.
Just as the game seemed to be heading for a goalless finish, Services striker Francis Zoununtluangn from a snap effort struck in the final minute of the match to clinch the match in their favour. Maharashtra and Services, both with nine points have qualified for the semi-finals from this group. Services, though, could top the group as they have a game against Mizoram on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in the second Group-A match played at the University Stadium, last year’s losing finalists, Mizoram tamed Jammu & Kashmir 4-1. For Mizoram the goals came through K. Lal Thanthanga (4th minute), Malsawmfela (59th), Laldingngheta (65th) and Lalmunsanga (85th), while Jammu & Kashmir scored through Farukh Chowdhary (5th). Mizoram with four points from three games are out of contention.
Results –Pool-A: Services 1(Francis Zoununtluangn 90th) beat Maharashtra 0.
Mizoram 4 (K. Lal Thanthanga 4th, Malsawmfela 59th, Laldingngheta 65th, Lalmunsanga 85th) beat Jammu & Kashmir 1 (Farukh Chowdhary 5th).