AIM champions of Shirui Lily Cup 2011
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, November 08 2011: AIM bagged the championship title of the 28th Shirui Lily National Level Football tournament by beating close rival NEROCA via tiebreaker 4-3 after the match ended in a scintillating goalless draw at Tangkhul Naga Long ground in Ukhrul on Tuesday.

The closely contested finals, after it ended in a goalless draw, went for a tiebreaker.

AIM brought home the championship title and cash prize of Rs.75,000 by converting four shots as against three scored by NEROCA.

For the winning team, Gouro (7), Rajesh (7), S, Herojit (11) and Naoton (10) converted the spot kicks.

Ng.

Tomarjit (11), Mahesh Rai (20) and M.Ashok (6) scored for the runners-up.

NEROCA were awarded with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs.50,000 .

AIM's players Gouro and Naoton were declared man of the tournament and best scorer respectively.

NEROCA's I.Santa, who missed in the penalty shootout, was awarded the best defender.

The tournament's best midfielder went to Azo (7) from Enpunto Football Club, Kohima, which exited in the semi-finals against NEROCA.

The keenly contested match witnessed scores of missed chances with both team playing an attacking game.

In today's match, both the players came up with a disciplined play as it saw only one player being cautioned with yellow card.

Ashok Y Tipnis, founder of Ukhrul-based NGO VVD and also the father in-law of India's ace footballer Bhaichung Bhutia graced as the closing ceremony as Chief Guest held Tuesday afternoon.

The closing ceremony was also attended by district level officers, NGO leaders and officials of Ukhrul District Sports Association and All Manipur Football Association.

Comment