Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC completes hat-trick in CEM Gold Cup

Our Correspondent

Diphu, Jan. 18 (EMN): Two- time winner of the CEM Gold Cup Football Championship, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMSFC) clinched the title for the third time after their opponent Hyderabad FC missed their targets in the penalty shoot-out of the final match on Monday night at Karbi Anglong Sports Association playground.

In the first 45 minutes, the two sides displayed strong attack and the visitors made regular enroutes into the territory of Blue Brigade Morning Star FC, but their defense made a good check on it. Good chances came on both sides, but failed to find the net and the first half ended with a goalless draw.

Resuming after the break, the yellow and blue Brigades displayed a more entertaining match. With every minute passing the match became stronger. The visitors were good in their swift passing tactics, but the Morning Star defense had performed well on their job.

The Blue Brigades also made good enroutes into the territory of the visitors. The defense and mid-fields made good passes to the forwards, but were late to take the ball or on several occasions missed their targets.

Though the visitors also got good chances, their scorers missed the targets. After playing for 90 minutes, both sides failed to break the deadlock.  An additional time of 30 minutes was played, but bore no fruit and finally the two sides had to go for a penalty shootout.

From Morning Star FC, Lalmuanawma, Lalhmangaihkima, Lalremruata and Tenson Tisso converted their penalties, while A Ola missed the target. Tluanga was awarded the best scorer of the tournament.

For Hyderabad FC, Kostav Dutta and Bishnu Bordoloi converted their penalties, while Dipu Haldar hit the post and Paogoumang Singson’s ball was saved.  Goalkeeper Aman Sahani made a save in one penalty shoot.

Finally, the match was won by KAMSFC by 4-2.

Though Hyderabad FC finished second, their goalkeeper Aman Kumar Sahani was awarded as the best goalkeeper, while Lal Chungnunga Chhangte was awarded the player of the tournament. Tluanga of KAMSFC was awarded the best scorer of the tournament.

The champion’s team was awarded with a trophy and cash prize of INR 3 lakh, which was handed over by Chief Executive Member (CEM), Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and president, KASA, Tuliram Ronghang. The runner- up team was awarded with a trophy and a cash prize of INR 2 lakh, which was handed over by MP Horensing Bey.

The tournament was jointly organised by Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) and West Karbi Anglong Sports Association (WKASA) and supported by Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC).