Lenruol FC, Rani CC Advance in Bordoloi Trophy

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: Two second-half goals were enough for Lenruol FC to secure a 2-0 victory over Navajyoti Club, earning them a spot in the pre-quarterfinals of the 70th Bordoloi Trophy Football Tournament (Final Round) at Judges’ Field on Monday.

In the other match of the day, held under floodlight, Rani Coaching Centre triumphed 3-1 over Pride East Mavericks to book their place in the last eight.

Lenruol FC vs Navajyoti: The first half of the match saw both teams evenly matched, with neither side able to break the deadlock. However, Lenruol came alive in the second half, displaying more dominant football and taking control of the game.

The breakthrough came when Lenruol took the lead through Alfred Lalroutsang in the 55th minute. The team was awarded a free kick, and Alfred’s shot, which was not properly stopped by Navajyoti’s goalkeeper Goutam Amchi, found its way into the net. Lenruol nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, but a brilliant save from Goutam Amchi denied Lemruol to increase the margin.

Lenruol did manage to extend their lead soon after, capitalizing on a corner kick. Alfred executed a stunning bicycle kick, redirecting the ball toward the goal. Navajyoti’s captain, Mustak Ali, attempted to clear the ball off the line after realizing the goalkeeper couldn’t reach it, but in doing so, he handled the ball and gave away a penalty when the match was 60 minutes old. Mustak was also sent off for the infringement, leaving Navajyoti to finish the match with ten men. Alfred confidently converted the penalty, giving Lenruol a 2-0 lead.

Navajyoti thereafter created a few chances and could have pulled one back, but their efforts went awry. They were even awarded a penalty after a handball by a Lenruol defender in the box, but Sumi, who took the shot, failed to convert it to goal.

Rani Coaching Centre vs Pride East Mavericks: It was arguably the most thrilling game of the final round of the competition. Both teams played with equal intensity, each striving to outdo the other. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

The match kicked off with Rani Coaching Centre taking an early lead just 3 minutes in, as an unmarked Jugen Mech expertly headed in a cross from the left wing. Despite the early setback, Pride East Mavericks didn’t lose heart and fought back fiercely. They found their equalizer just before the halftime whistle, thanks to a well-placed goal by Rizu Limbu.

The second half also witnessed a good battle but saw a dramatic turn of events in the last ten minutes of the match. Rani Coaching Centre sealed their victory with two more goals, both scored by Goldenson Japui, in the 80th and 86th minutes respectively.

Tuesday’s fixture: Baradi FC vs 19th Assam Police Bn (2-15). ASEBSC vs Dima United FC (4-30 PM).

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