Vanlalbiaa Chhangte has had a meteoric rise. With pace on his side coupled with brilliant crossing, Mabia is one of the most exciting players in India right now.
Mabia is one of those players whose talent is yet to be completely unearthed. In the recent I-league second division qualifiers, where Mohammedan Sporting won the tournament to secure promotion to the I-League, Mabia was one of the best players for his team. He scored one goal for his team, but his contribution goes beyond that. The chances he created with his impeccable crossing and excellent runs down the wing which gave Mohammedan an edge over their opponents.
In the match against ARA, he was immense. He assisted the first goal of that match when he ran down the right wing, dribbled past the defender and then gave a quick low cross to Wilis Plaza who did no mistake in putting the ball at the back of the net.
In the build up to the second goal, Mabia was again involved. He had the ball at his feet on the right flank, and gave a long lofted cross towards the other end of the box. It was received by his teammate and passed on to Abhishek Rijal who scored the goal.
The third goal was also assisted by Vanlalbiaa. This time, he times his run perfectly and enters the box, being present at the right place and the right time. He then receives the ball and then rolls it over for Abhishek Rijal, exhibiting quick decision making and thinking. Rijal slotted it home to score the third goal of Mohammedan that day.
Mohammedan vs Bhawanipore was an important fixture. It held massive significance as the winner would probably go on to qualify for the I-League. And it was Vanlalbiaa who stepped on the big occasion.
Mabia was inside the box, waiting to pounce any opportunity which came his way. Wilis Plaza dribbled past a couple of players outside the box and then give a pass to Sk. Faiaz inside the box who managed to flick the ball before falling. Mabia took control of the ball, juggled past the keeper and tapped the ball in.
The Mizo winger is yet to showcase his complete potential. Till now he has mainly plied his trade in the I-League second division. He started his career at Aizawl based Chhinga Veng and then had multiple stints at Mohammedan Sporting. He also played for Chanmari FC. But possibly the best time for the winger was at Minerva Punjab in 2017-18 where he won the I-League with them.
We reached out to Lalsangzuala Hmar, Vanlalbiaa’s coach at Chhinga Veng to comment about his gameplay and abilities. “ Personally, he is perfect in my game structure. His speed, positioning, agility, mobility, power are perfect.”
Mabia has earned high praises from his former coaches, and the only thing awaiting his is opportunities. After a wonderful stint at Mohammedan in the I-League second division, he is expected to make a mark in the I-League 2021. With great capabilities backing him, he is surely one player to watch out for.