Shillong, Dec 2: It will be an all-North East final of the Sub-Junior National Football Championship with Meghalaya set to take on Arunachal Pradesh in the final in Kalyani, West Bengal, on Tuesday.
Both Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh have played some exhilarating football over the course of the tournament, as the two sides finished top of their respective groups.
Meghalaya have produced an excellent display, amassing 22 goals in their five matches, even going on to defeat hosts Bengal 3-1 in the semifinal yesterday.
While they may have a couple of injury scares, coach Jefferey Warlarpih is not too concerned.
“We do have a couple of niggles here and there, but the boys are ready for the game,” Warlarpih was quoted as saying in an All India Football Federation press release today. “It’s part of an impact game and we will cope with it. Arunachal are a good side, so we have to be on our guard.”
Arunachal, on the other hand, have produced a solid display, going on to score 14 in their five matches so far. A disciplined side, the this team have let in only one goal in the entire tournament so far.
In fact, it will be a shot at redemption for Arunachal, after they lost the final of last season’s tournament 5-4 on penalties against Odisha after it ended 0-0 post extra time.
Coach Tserring Dorjee Wangja is wary of Meghalaya’s prowess, and warned his boys about their opponents’ pressing game.
“Meghalaya are a very good team. The way they press the ball is very impressive,” he said. “They also have some skillful players who can create some opportunities as well.”
However, he sounded confident ahead of the final, stating that his charges will go for the kill.
“We will go for the attack, try to put pressure on our opponents and go for the win,” Wangja said. “It is a very special moment for my team to play the Sub-Junior National Football Championship Final in Kalyani.”
The match will get underway at 1:30PM.
(Meghalaya Football Association photo)
