Chandigarh qualify for maiden quarter-finals appearance

Chandigarh qualified for quarter-final league on the basis of superior goal difference in the 47th Junior National Under-19 Football Championship for Dr B C Roy Trophy being played in Kolkata on Wednesday. Chandigarh topped Cluster III after playing a goalless draw against Mizoram. Chandigarh pipped Mizoram to the second place on the basis of superior goal difference.

Karnataka also advanced on the superior goal difference after they were held goalless by Meghalaya in crucial cluster I match. Chandigarh have 13 goals in favour (seven against Gujarat and six against Kerala) while Mizoram scored nine goals and conceded one in two matches. With a well-earned draw, Chandigarh emerged Cluster III leaders and qualified for Group B quarter-final league. Chandigarh will be joined by winners of clusters II, VI and VII in the quarter-final league. Chandigarh are pitted against winners of Cluster VI on June 18 and face Cluster II winners on June 20. Their last quarter-final league match is slated against cluster VII winners. Expressing satisfaction over the performances of his players, coach Tejinder Kumar said, "It was a well contested match against Mizoram. Our prime object was to seal a berth in quarter-final and the boys did it well and they have now gained more confidence since it was their maiden entry into the quarter-final league in the Under-19 Nationals." Both teams have their chances to score which they muffed. In the 17 th minute, Chandigarh striker Rajinder had one against one opportunity which he frittered away. Captain Gagandeep too wasted a chance in the 25 th minute. Shenaj's two good shots were slightly out of range. In the first half, Mozoram had their best chance to score when they got a free kick on the top of the box. It was partially saved by the goalkeeper but the Mizoram forwards failed to capitalize on the rebound.