Source: Atom Samarendra - Updated at: 22nd Mar 2004 - 18:00 IST
Imphal, March 22:
Defending champions Assam defeated Sports Authority (SAI) Blue Imphal while Mizoram held Sikkim at a 2-2 goal draw on the Day Eight of the ongoing end Dr T Ao Doner football tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung here today.
On the first ground, Assam boys armed with good coordination of its midfielders Birjab Mushahary and Sanjiba Rongpi launched a series of attacks against the opponent from the word go.
Assam's continuous tough attacks were a headache for SAI (Blue) Imphal to defend them.
The breakthrough came in 40th minutes when Sanjiba Rongpi easily netted a ball in goal area passed by his favourite midfielder Birjab Mushhary from the halfway.
Even though SAI (Blue) boys tried every effort to equalise the goal, they could not penetrate the ball in the danger zone of Assam thus ending the first session with Assam leading by a solitary goal.
The second session was seemed to be very keenly contested as SAI (Blue) intensified its attacks to find the equalizer while Assam side tried every effort to increase the goal margin and to defend the opponent�s attacks on the other hand.
However, both side could not score any goal by the end of second session thus ending the match gone in favour of Assam by one goal nil.
Referee showed yellow cards to L.Biseshor of SAI (Blue) and Sanjiba Rongpi of Assam in 44th and 49th minutes respectively for misconduct.
In the second ground, Mizoram held Sikkim at a 2-2 goal draw.
As the both teams were balanced in all front the play was seemed to be very keenly contested one.
However, Mizo boys taking a loophole in the defence line of Sikkim C.Lalthlengliana headed a ball crossed from right flank by F.Lalzamawia in13th minutes opening the goal account for Mizoram.
After several counter and counterattacks Sikkim�s Leezang Lepcha equalise the goal in 32nd minutes.
The ball was passed by Tsetten Bhutia.
After finding the equalizer, Sikkim boys intensified its attacks against the opponent.
In 40th minutes, Tsetten Bhutia converted a pass from Tashi Rapden into a goal leading 2-1 by the end of first half.
The session was proved to be tougher than the first session for both sides as Mizoram intensified its attacks to find the equalizer while Sikkim tried every effort to defend the attacks of Mizo boys and to increase the goal margin on the other hand.
The equalizer for Mizoram came through a penalty shot in dying minute of the match.
Referee awarded the penalty following Sikkim�s defender committed a fault in the penalty area in 83rd minutes.
Lalhriatzuala made to mistake to convert the rare opportunity into goal.