Winning the AIFF Futsal Club Championship is a ‘memory I will always cherish’, says coach Rizwan

New Delhi: Corbett FC took the indoor football field in Gujarat by storm. Debutants in name only, but not in play, the club scored a staggering 48 goals in seven games on their way to lifting the trophy after Sunday’s final. The numbers speak for their dominance.

But they were given a real test by Golazo FC, and it took an extra-time winner from none other than PC Lalruatsanga in the 49th minute to secure the title. Twice Corbett had taken the lead in regulation time, but Golazo had clawed back each time. But when teenage sensation Lalruatsanga, hiding in plain sight of the far post, slid in to convert Pratik Swami’s perfect cross, there was no time for another comeback.

Corbett FC won deservedly to become the first team from Uttarakhand to win an AIFF tournament. Lalruatsanga’s 17 goals, more than a third of Corbett’s total, earned him the Golden Boot award.

“The key to our championship success was the quality of our players, our positive attitude and thorough preparation. It is a remarkable achievement for us at Corbett FC. It reflects our dedication, teamwork and determination,” Rizwan added.

Corbett faced literally every kind of challenge on their path to the championship. If the final was a test of their grit, the semi-final against Ambelim provided some heart-stopping moments as their 6-2 lead was cut to 6-5 with just 10 minutes to go and they had to fight their way to the finish. The wild celebrations at the whistle, perhaps more passionate than those after the final, conveyed it all.

And right up to the semi-finals, they spewed sheer dominance on the futsal pitch. An 11-1 crushing of former champions Delhi FC, a 9-0 drubbing of Nyenshen FC, eight wins over Classic Football Academy, six wins over Millat FC and five wins over Sports Odisha. There was no stopping Rizwan’s army.

“Our two-week camp helped us refine our strategy. We planned each match based on the strengths and weaknesses of the opponent. We learned from our mistakes and improved continuously. Ultimately, celebrating with my teammates is a memory I will cherish forever,” said Rizwan.

In total, the event was spread over 15 days, with 43 matches played and 386 goals scored. Judging by this record, the AIFF Futsal Club Championship 2023-24 was an unmitigated success. A celebration of the sport of futsal, which is slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the country.

(CDA)