By I-League Media

KOLKATA: AIFF Elite Academy are vying to clinch their second consecutive silverware in as many years as they face Tata Football Academy in the final of U-18 I-League final tomorrow.

The Elite Academy edged past the North-Eastern powerhouse Aizawl FC in the semi-final, courtesy a fine first-half brace from Vlalengzama and one strike from Prosenjit Chakroborty. Aizawl FC pushed their limits in the second half but they couldn’t percolate the sturdy AIFF Elite Academy defense.

The other finalists, Tata Football Academy, secured their spot in the finals thanks to the second-half brace by Shaikom Ronald Singh, who have already netted 8 goals in the U-18 I-League 2015-16.

Gaffer Lee Walshaw will start with Shaikom Ronald Singh and Seineo Kuki at the up front. Vijay Kumar, who got severely injured in the semi-final, is fit to play now and it’s going to add much relief to the coach, “We’re pretty confident about our team, and once we play up to our potential, we can lift the trophy.” He further adds, “The hopes are high for the final, but only one team finish it off as the winner. There’s absolutely no pressure on the boys before the final. If they win, it’ll be the cherry on the top.”

AIFF Elite Academy, the current champions, have completely outplayed Aizawl FC  in the semi-final and they are now rearing to give a final shot against the Kolkata-Jamshedpur zonal champions. “Possibly the best match was shelved for the final and both teams will play out of their skin to clinch the silverware. It’s going to be a litmus test for both of us. Whoever can handle the pressure, will have the last laugh tomorrow”, Floyd Pinto was quoted by www.i-league.org.

The occasion will be graced by the presence of none other than Mr. Aroop Biswas, Minister of Sports, Govt. of West Bengal and Mr. Chuni Goswami, Ex-India National team captain and Padma Shri awardee. Dr. Rathin Chakraborty, Mayor, Howrah and Mr. Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League will also be present on the grand occasion.