Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14:
Debutants Football Lovers Assn Manipur (Flam) recorded a convincing 4-1 victory over Khurai Veteran Football Assn (KVFA) to claim the fourth edition of the Ng Kalachand Singh Memorial Invitation Football Tournament.
In the final played today at NESU ground, Porompat the winners led 2-1 at the break with the opening goal coming as early as the fifth minute through Dhonel.
After Sunil had extended the lead six minutes later Y Manglemjao bridged the goal gap in the 35th minute to keep KVFA's hopes alive.
Despite the Khurai veteran's out effort after the break to level the score Flam defenders nullified the opponent move with close marking and clever interception.
In their desperation to restore parity, KVFA's Maniratan was yellow carded for unruly conduct in the 53rd minute.
Soon after the booking, Dhonel scored his second and team's third (57th) to diminish any chances KVFA had harbored for a comeback before Dhanakumar curled in the fourth Flam goal from a direct free kick awarded near the top of the opponent box in the 67th minute.
The free kick was awarded as KVFA custodian M Subhas-chandra attempting to prevent Flam forwards from making further inroad to the danger zone rushed out and cleared with his hands beyond the restricted area.
In addition to walking home with the Rs 5000 top prize and trophy, Flam's Nabakumar was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament organized by North Eastern Sporting Union, Khurai from February 25 and competed by ten teams.
Ng Brajakumar of ATVFA bagged the best player award in the oldest age category, with the 45 plus prize going to NEVFA's Toumang Kipgen, 40 plus to Dhonel, best scorer award to T Ibomcha of Chingoi Baruni who tallied seven and best defender title to FVWA's T Ibomcha.
Chingoi Baruni was won the best discipline team title.