Mizoram lift T Ao North East Soccer title

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Mizoram lifted 2nd T Ao North East International NEC Gold Cup Soccer title defeating Meghalaya 4-2 in a well contested final held at the SAI Sports complex here today. The fate of the match was decided via tie break after the schedule time ended 1-1 draw.

Both the sides started in a very attacking mood and came close to score on several occasions during the early stage of the game. However Mizoram finally took the lead in the 27th minutes through F Lalnun Thuanga. But the goal didn’t shatter the confidence of Meghalaya and they continued to play attacking football. The good work finally gave dividend as Meghalaya got the equaliser in the 67th minutes through Ronald Kiden Nonglait.

However in the tie break it was different story. Mizoram converted three of their four shots to goal while Meghalaya was able to score only once. Lalnun Thanga, Lalriat Puia and Lalmuawawma scored for Mizoram in shoot out. Only Ronald was successful to convert the first shot of Meghalaya.

The Governor of Assam Prof Jagdish Mukhi attended the closing function as a chief guest and he also distributed the prizes. The closing function was also attended by A Tali, the son of T Ao, the Assistant High commissioner of Bangladesh Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur, Director of the Sports and Youth Welfare Dharmakanta Mili, The Dean of LNIPE Biswajit Basumatari, the Director of SAI Regional Centre Subhash Basumatari and President of the T Ao Birth Centenary Celebration Committee Swapnanil Barua.

Champion Mizoram received cash award of Rs 8 lakh while Runners up Meghalaya collected a purse of Rs 4 lakh. LalnunThanga of Mizoram named the best player of the tournament. Vivek Gurung of Arunachal Pradesh collected highest scorer award and the best goalkeeper award was adjudged to Frolicson Dkhar of Meghalaya. On the other hand Tripura received the fair play award of the tournament.

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