U-18 Youth League: Lajong, Blasters get ready for final showdown

Tyson

Shillong Lajong and Kerala Blasters will square off in the final of the 2017/18 U-18 Youth League at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to bring down the curtain on what has been a fabulous two weeks of football in Shillong.

final

Saturday’s showpiece event is the maiden U-18 Youth League final for both teams, and a favourite is hard to pick as Lajong are the only team who maintained a 100% record on their way to the final but their opponent Kerala are also unbeaten thus far, having built on a slow start to the tournament.

The two teams have faced a series of obstacles on the road to the final but with their 2-0 victory over a strong East Bengal side in semifinal, Lajong look set to enter the final in higher spirits. Whereas Kerala head into the final on the back of a closely fought 2-1 victory against SAI Kolkata in a game which saw them fail to reach their full potential.

Nonetheless, despite Lajong’s commanding performance against East Bengal the final seem evenly poised as Kerala proved equally threatening on the counter and relatively solid at the back. With the likes of Adarsh AS, Badusha TT and Abdullah KS in the ranks, the Southern outfit will always pose a goal threat but the same can be said of Lajong, for whom Donboklang Lyngdoh and Phrangki Buam have been in exceptional form.

Lajong coach Bobby Nongbert has prepared his troops well, identifying the key strengths of his personnel and setting up a system to maximize the team’s effectiveness. He never got carried away with any one victory, pointing out areas for improvements whilst highlighting the strengths of his team.

Going into the final, Lajong’s strategy would be simple as they will be looking frustrate Kerala by keeping things compact and cutting off space before using speed on the transition in the form of Donboklang, Phrangki and Parvaj Bhuiya who all have the capacity to stretch Kerala’s defense.

From a Kerala Blasters perspective, reaching the final is somewhat of a surprise given the team is making their first ever U-18 Youth League appearance. For that achievement, immense credit must go to coach Renjith Thittayil Ajithkumar as his understated yet demanding approach appears to have coaxed the best out of his squad. For Kerala it’s all about creativity and a sense of energy in the front-line, especially when you consider that a draw will go straight to penalties.

These solutions were nowhere to be found in their 2-1 semi-final win over SAI. Despite the fact that Kerala had a number of well structured and proactive chances in the attack, the team proved to be far too cautious and passive. Thus Ajithkumar’s charges must hit the ground running with a high-pressing, risk-taking and threatening style if they are to win the title.

The pressure will be very much on Lajong to clinch the title in their backyard. Kerala, on the other hand, have exceeded many people’s expectations by reaching this stage and they have a side that is more than capable of pressing for the title, and with so much riding on the outcome, tomorrow’s meeting is sure to be an absorbing affair which will kick-off at 4:30 pm.

Also Read: Intercontinental Cup: Star player ruled out from India’s squad.

Get everything about Hero Intercontinental Cup – Football Counter

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share