NEW DELHI, May 10: A 10th minute goal by Mohammad Asif enabled Islamia Sona School, Maler Kotla, beat strong contenders Mamata Modern School, Viaks Puri, to win the All-India Nivia Football tournament, here at the Ambedkar Stadium.In the final played today, both sides were equally matched with none willing to give up. With both trying to score first, the match started on a promising note.Islamia School's Mohammad Asif took advantage of a defensive lapse in the 10th minute and scored the crucial goal. A jolted Mamata Modern tried to pull abreast but Islamia boys rushed back to strengthen their defense and denied their rivals any opportunity.The match was more action-packed in the second half as Mamata Modern increased the pace of the game. They too got few chances to equalise but their players failed to hit the target. Islamia, however, kept the pressure on their rivals even while trying to increase the tally. There were occasions when the winners could have taken a firm grip on the proceedings but Mamata Modern defence denied them chances.
