“It was a treat to watch Lalengmawia play – not just the final, but in the matches that he has been fielded. I am particularly happy with his performance – after all, he plays a similar position to myself,” exclaimed Mehtab. “Sunil (Chhetri) was brilliant as usual in the SAFF Championship. I can praise him all day long, and it would still not be enough,” Mehtab said to www.the-aiff.com.

Apuia has come through the ranks from the junior National Teams, representing India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, before going on to play a crucial role for the Indian Arrows side in the Hero I-League in 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.

“Apuia (Lalengmawia) has a very cool head. He makes football look so simple – never in a hurry, and always so much time on the ball. I am very fond of him. I just hope he improves on his play,” Mehtab averred.

After winning the SAFF Championship in Male, Maldives on Saturday, the likes of Dheeraj Singh, Suresh Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Jeakson Singh, and Rahim Ali have joined the U23 side in Bengaluru. Among the 28 probables summoned for the AFC U23 Qualifiers, all except Sahil Panwar have reported to Bengaluru. As per medical reports from Odisha FC, Sahil is currently suffering from an injury and hence, wasn’t available for the Qualifiers.

The 35-year-old Mehtab, who is currently playing for Madan Maharaj FC, has been following the fortunes of the Blue Tigers from inside the Hero I-League Qualifiers bio bubble.

“There were others too, who played so well. Pritam played well, it was his cross in the second half that helped us break the deadlock. It was nice to see Suresh score a very important goal that gave us the breathing space in the second half,” he continued. “The midfielders need to capitalise on the chances which they get. If they do, it will help us immensely on the field.”

Mehtab was also particularly pleased with the character that the Blue Tigers showed during the SAFF Championship and going on to finally win the SAFF Championship without losing a single game.

“The way the team turned it around was a big testament to the mentality of the players and the coach,” said Mehtab. “The killer instinct that they showed, to never accept defeat in the face of adversity shows their character. People, especially footballers go through rough phases, but it’s all about how you come back from such phases. This is exactly what I told the youngsters in our club while watching the matches.”

“Such trophies on the international stage are always good for Indian football, it bodes well for the future. As a former National Team player, I would always love to see the boys win more. That will always help take Indian football forward together,” the veteran midfield general averred.

Another ex-Blue Tiger, who is present in the Hero I-League bio-bubble is former India defender Anwar Ali (Sr), who is playing for Delhi FC in the Hero I-League Qualifiers.

“We’ve had the opportunity to watch all the National Team matches since our matches were never at the same time. This is a good opportunity for a club side to form bonds between the teammates while supporting the National Team together,” said Anwar.

“Winning is always good for the morale — be it us winning our club matches here, or the National Team winning in Maldives. I’d like to congratulate the Blue Tigers. Any silverware earned on the international level is always good, as you get to go down in history,” he continued.

The 28-member list of probables is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, Prateek Kumar Singh, Mohammad Nawaz.

Defenders: Narender Gahlot, Bikash Yumnam, Alex Saji, Hormipam Ruivah, Halen Nongtdu, Asish Rai, Sumit Rathi, Akash Mishra, Sahil Panwar.

Midfielders: SK Sahil, Suresh Singh, Amarjit Singh, Lalengmawia, Jeakson Singh, Deepak Tangri, Rahul KP, Komal Thatal, Nikhil Raj, Bryce Miranda, Princeton Rebello.

Forwards: Vikram Partap Singh, Rahim Ali, Rohit Danu, Aniket Jadhav.

Fixtures:

October 24: Oman vs India
October 27: India vs UAE
October 30: India vs Kyrgyz Republic

CREDITS- AIFF MEDIA

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

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The post Mehtab certificate for Lalengmawia, as U23 boys assemble in Bengaluru appeared first on Football Counter.

Ugandan forward Henry Kisekka put the Green and Maroons ahead with an early strike. Former Bagan man Ansumana Kromah drew Aizawl level on the half-hour mark. Bagan left it late as defender Singh hit home the winner with just 12 minutes of regulation time left.

This win secures Bagan’s place in sixth in the league table as they draw level with Neroca FC. The Manipuri club is ahead on goal difference.

Bagan boss Khalid Jamil adopted attacking tactics in search of an early goal. Kisekka latched on to Abinash Ruidas’ free-kick and scored in the 22nd minute.

Kromah lined up a shot from outside the Bagan penalty area and sent it into the bottom corner. 1-1 to Aizawl eight minutes after conceding!

Jamil brought Egyptian Omar Elhussieny for veteran Mehtab Hossain in the second half to add more creativity in the middle. Bikramjit Singh hit home Sony Norde’s freekick and gave Bagan the winner late in the second half.

Jamil brought on Darren Caldeira for Kisekka to bolster the back-line as Aizawl went full throttle.

Bagan held on and won!

Also Read: Ralte tricks as East Bengal slam five past Lajong

Also Read: Chennai City and Neroca share spoils in six-goal thriller

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