By Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: North East Frontier Railway Sports Association (NFRSA) lifted their maiden Bordoloi Trophy title after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) in the final at Judges Field here today. The match, witnessed good turnout, ended in a 1-1 draw after regulation and extra time before NFRSA triumphed 7-6 in the sudden death phase.
This victory marked NFRSA’s second title of the season, following their earlier triumph in the Guwahati Premier League Football at the same venue.
The final was an exciting contest with both teams showing their attacking prowess. NEUFC had the upper hand in the early stages, organizing more attacks, but as the match progressed, NFRSA gradually grew into the game. The first real scoring opportunity came in the 30th minute for NEUFC, when Hangshing made a brilliant run down the left wing and delivered a perfect pass. Despite a couple of NEUFC players in the box, none could connect with the ball to direct it towards goal.
A few minutes later, NFRSA had a chance of their own when Akash Dutta found space in the box and unleashed a powerful shot. However, NEUFC’s goalkeeper, Arman Tamang, made an excellent save to deny the effort.
After a goalless first half, NFRSA took the lead in the 51st minute through Souvik Kar. NFRSA earned a free kick just outside the box, and Kar’s expertly placed shot sailed past the goalkeeper into the net.
NEUFC responded strongly and organized a series of attacks. Their efforts paid off in the 81st minute when Danny Meitei rose high to head in a cross from the right flank, levelling the score at 1-1.
In the extra time, NEUFC dominated possession and pressed forward, but NFRSA’s defense held firm, preventing any further goals and ensuring the match went to penalties.
Both teams scored four goals each in the penalty shootout. In the sudden death phase, NEUFC converted their first kick, but faltered on the second attempt. NFRSA took advantage of this, converting their second kick also to seal the win and claim the Bordoloi Trophy.
The Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with Sports Minister Nandita Gorlosa, was present at the venue and they were introduced to the players before the match, along with other distinguished guests.
As champions, NFRSA received a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while NEUFC were awarded Rs 5 lakh. The two semi-finalists Shillong Lajong FC and Global FC also earned Rs 2.5 lakh each.
Individual Awards: Most Promising Player: Fredy Chawngthansanga (NEUFC). Best Goalkeeper: Arman Tamang (NEUFC). Player of the Final: N. Rohen Singh (NEUFC). Highest Goal Scorer: Nicodim Narzary (Global FC). Player of the Tournament: Prabik Ghisingh (NFRSA).
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