By Our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI: NorthEast United FC continued their impressive form this season, advancing to the final of the 70th Bordoloi Trophy Football Championship with a 1-0 win over Shillong Lajong FC in a thrilling second semi-final at the Judges Field today. The match was decided in extra time after the two teams played to a goalless draw in regular time. Fredy Chawngthansanga netted the decisive goal in the 117th minute.
This season has been a dream run for NEUFC, who began with a victory in the Durand Cup, won the Governor’s Gold Cup and also made it to the playoffs in the ongoing ISL season. Today, they scripted history by reaching the Bordoloi Trophy final for the first time.
The match was an entertaining contest with both teams displaying excellent performance in defence, making it difficult for either side to break through. Despite a few opportunities created in regular time, brilliant saves by the goalkeepers kept the game scoreless, sending it into extra time.
With the match nearing its conclusion, NEUFC found the breakthrough in the 117th minute. After being awarded a free kick outside the box, Shillong Lajong's goalkeeper Siwel made a stunning save from the set piece, but Alfred was quick to retrieve the ball. He unleashed a powerful shot that struck the post before going into the net, securing NEUFC’s place in the final.
Fredy Chawngthansanga, who played a pivotal role in the victory, was named Player of the Match. The final will be held on March 13, where NEUFC will face North East Frontier Railway Sports Association.
Meanwhile, the Guwahati Sports Association today honored six former footballers from the state during the half time who once captivated crowds with their performances in the Bordoloi Trophy. The footballers recognized for their contributions were Nalin Das, Abdul Azim Laskar, Padneswar Deka, Kanak Kachari, Nani Gopal Dey, and Binanda Rajkonwar.
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