Dimapur, November 12 2009: Manipur outplayed host Nagaland 2-0 in the final match of the 3rd Dr T Ao Football Tournament at Dimapur today and along with the trophy pocketed the top cash prize of Rs 7 lakhs.

Clearly the dominant side of the final clash, Manipur surged ahead off a free kick when Sahidur Rahman's fleeting move at the middle was abruptly cut short by a rival defender Rokoz Hakho in the 27th minute.

The resulting free kick taken by Ngouba bounced into the goal as Nagaland custodian Zuthongo fumbled in grabbing the ball.

With the hosts mostly relying on sporadic counterattacks but unable to breach the opponents' defence line, Manipur's second goal was imminent as they forayed deep into the Nagaland zone regularly only for lack of sting in the attempts keeping the score-board static at 1-0 .

However, the advantage was doubled and the result sealed in Manipur's favour when I Nilakumar struck in the 52nd minute.

The final match was held with the Governor of Nagaland State Nikhil Kumar as chief guest, Chief Minister neiphiu Rio as the presient and Deputy CM BM Lanong as guest of honour.

runners-up Nagaland had to content with the Rs 4 lakhs award.

Manipur's Shanta was declared as 'best player' of the tournament organised by Nagaland Football Association under the sponsorship of Ministry of DONER.

with a tally of 12 goals Tripura's Karon Chapari bagged the top scorer award carrying Rs 10,000 while Zuthongo was declared the best goalkeeper with the same cash amount.

Sikkim team walked away with the best fair play award of Rs 50,000 .

The tournament that began on November 2 was participated by eight State teams of the North Eastern region.

Comment