Share
Players of Shillong Lajong FC celebrate after winning the U-18 Youth championship on Saturday.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, May 26 (EMN): Shillong Lajong FC defeated Kerala Blasters 2-0 in the final match to lift the U-18 Youth League title on Saturday at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.
The team remained undefeated through the tournament out of the 55 teams that participated and scored a total of 23 goals while conceding just three.
The 18-year-old Neithovilie Chalie-ü, the goalkeeper and captain of Shillong Lajong Football Club and Temjenwati Longkumer (defender) from Nagaland were part of the Lajong team that won the championship.
Neithovilie Chalie-ü speaking to Eastern Mirror said: “It is a proud moment for me and for my club. We made club history this time. After winning the youth league, it feels very good to be India’s champion.”
On being asked how he handled the pressure of captaincy, he said: “Pressure was there but I am the most senior player among my teammates.
So I felt confident to lead my team. Even the coach (Bobby Nongbert) gave me full charge inside the field.”
It has been a good year for Neitho who also won the Dr. T Ao Memorial NEC Gold Cup representing Nagaland this year, winning the best goalkeeper and best player of the tournament.
He credited his achievements to the almighty god.
In the match, Lins P Poulose's own goal in the third minute and a late goal from Kynsailang Khongsit in the 91st minute sealed the victory for Lajong.
Thus becoming the first Northeast team to win the league in the eight edition since inception in 2011.
The Youth League U-18 (previously known as I-League U-18) is the top level of youth football in India.
It is contested between the under-18 sides of the I-League teams, Indian Super League teams, as well as other youth teams. The most successful team currently is AIFF Elite Academy, with three titles to its credit.