Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 09 2009:
Nagaland Football Veteran's Association (NFVA) rallied to crush NEVFA, Porompat 4-1 and wrest the title of the 11th Challenge Cup Veteran Football tournament at Mapal kangjeibung today.
The champions were awarded Rs 20,000 while the Porompat veterans had to content with Rs 10,000 for their effort.
The title match began with NEVFA's Nobalson knocking in the opener only three minutes into the game, that however proved to be a wake-up call for the Nagaland veterans as the tournament favourites came back strongly to find the equaliser at the half-hour mark.
After Sukuho's header restored parity, NFVA players repeatedly tested the Porompat custodian to eventually take the lead four minutes later as Senti struck his seventh of the competition that also fetched him the top scorer award.
With Bijoy scoring the third NFVA goal in the 35th minute to put the team within reach of the crown, K Kire ensured there was no last minute hitch completing rout of the local side in the 36th minute.
The victory margin could have been even bigger had Yambemo converted a 68th minute penalty award.
Yambemo, nevertheless was declared the tournament's best player while the NEVFA custodian H Herachandra, inspite of conceding four goals in today's was adjudged the best goalkeeper as his vigil under the Porompat bar, especially in the semi final penalty shoot-out (sudden death) guaranteed his team place in the final.
In all 12 teams participated in the tournament organised by manipur veteran Football Association.
The closing ceremony today was held with MOA president (MLA) Bijoy Koijam, Patsoi AC's MLA S Kunjakeshwor Singh and SAI NERC Director Francis Marwein as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.