David Lalthansanga found his placement slipping through the rival goalkeeper’s hands and Lalrinfela headed in the third goal for the winner. Both the teams were locked 1-1 at full-time.
Earlier, Thaker Singh almost scored against the run of play in the 28th minute for Haryana, swivelling past his marker and placing the shot to the left corner. Mizoram custodian Zomuankima got his fingertips to the ball at full stretch, conceding a corner. Pawan Tyagi, dangerous on the break, tested Zomuankima with a long ranger.
Grabbing the lead Mizoram cashed in on delightful build-ups and tricky passing by grabbing the lead in the 36th minute with Christopher Lalthlamuana jabbing the ball into an empty net. Lalrinfela and Haryana goalkeeper Pardeep Kumar got into a tangle chasing a lob, the ball rolled into Christopher’s path.
Haryana, outsmarted in the first half by cascades of Mizoram attacks in which Lalrinfela featured prominently, fought back with a 49th-minute equaliser via Roshan Singh, whose floater from the right swirled into the net. Zomuankima, caught by surprise on the goal-line, watched the ball sail beyond reach and land in the far corner.
Mizoram ruled the first half on the strength of exceptional ball control and audacious passing. Haryana recovered poise after the breather and hit long passes down both flanks, stretching the rival defence. The contest led to many close misses before the extra-time decided the winner.
Punjab and Bengal will contest the second semifinal on Thursday.