Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 02 2009:
Kh Deven's brilliant save during penalty shoot-out helped AIM, Khabam wrest the title of the 1st Hijam Irawat Memorial Invitation Football Tournament at Eastern Shine Public ground, Moreh today.
After the summit clash ended at 2-2, tie-breaker was applied to decide the champion team which AIM eventually triumphed over KLASA, Keinou at 7-6 .
Deven correctly anticipated KLASA's second penalty kick taken by L Robichandra for the hard-fought victory and pocket home top prize of Rs 50,000 while the runners-up were awarded half the amount.
Earlier, R Romen Kom opened AIM's score 16 minutes into the match which was neutralised in the 26th by Disulung Daimei with his first of two in the game.
Even though Md Santosh regained the AIM lead in the 30th minute Disulung struck again the next minute to take the match to the penalty shoot-out.
Santosh, Bipinchandra, Ng Arunkumar, Romen Kom and Kh Tejkumar converted from the spot compared to KLASA's P Kenedy, S Homeshor, Disulung Daimei and M Milan beating the rival custodian.
Disulung, who shared the top scorer's prize with Kiran of UPAA (Kyamgei) on three goals each, also bagged the player of the final match award carrying Rs 2000 .
L Herojit of AIM was adjudged the tournament's best player while MBSU, Wahengbam Leikai was declared the 'best discipline' team of the competition which was organised by Meetei Council Moreh under the aegis of All manipur Football Association and District sports Association, Chandel.