Mizoram Wins Nerve-Wracking Penalty Shootout to Secure Final Berth

Mizoram clinched victory in a tense penalty shootout against Manipur to advance to the Swami Vivekananda U20 Men's National Football Championship final at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama in Chhattisgarh. The match, held on Monday, saw no goals during regulation and extra time, forcing a penalty showdown that Mizoram won 3-1.

Mizoram's perfect penalty performance was highlighted by conversions from Mesak C Lalrinngheta, Aldrin Lalpeksanga, and Freddy Lalruatkima. Manipur's sole successful penalty came from Soram Sumit Singh, with Channam Akash Meitei missing and Salam Swamichandra Meitei and Md Shuaib's efforts being saved.

Elsewhere on Ground 1, Meghalaya's Mebanlamlynti Masharing netted a hat-trick in a 5-0 rout of Jharkhand. Additional goals by Menangpyndap Khongjee and Damitre Kynjing cemented the win. On Ground 2, Bihar earned their first Group A victory by defeating Andhra Pradesh 4-1, thanks to MD Nasim Khan's late double.

Meghalaya now leads Group A with six points from two matches. Rajasthan and Bihar trail with three points, although the latter has played an additional match. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand are yet to score any points. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)