Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23:
L Bisheshore scored both the championship winning coals of the 48th All India Sir Churachand KCSI.CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung today thereby ending the title drought of Tiddim Road Athletic Union (Trau).
While the summit clash opponent Youth Welfare Club (YWC), Thambalkhong failed to live upto the expectation following their spectacular run-up in the competition at Mapal Kangjeibung, Trau despite its dominance had to wait till the second session for the opening goal.
Six minutes after change of ends, Trau striker R Vashum essayed a pass to Bisheshore whose thunderous volley from the edge of the YWC penalty area sailed over rival custodian.
The second Trau goal resulted from a penalty award when YWC defender Doumei Kamson fouled N Olenkumar within the danger zone in the 71st minute.
Bisheshore made no mistake from the spot.
Inspite of expectation that the final debutants YWC would give their opponent a hard run for money no serious attempt could be made at the Trau goal as their energetic run up to the final seem to have taken toil on the players.
The winning side suffered a jolt when O Sanatomba was ejected five minutes from end of play for second bookable offence in the match.
Heming Guite and Benjamin Kamson of YWC also received yellow card bookings in the match.
The closing function of the tournament organised by All Manipur Football Association was graced by Governor Dr SS Sidhu as chief guest and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam as president.
The chief guest and president presented trophies to various award winners including the man and woman footballers of the year as well as honouring players of yesteryears.
This year the veteran footballer of the year awards went to 65 year old K Gangmeibung Kamei of Namthanlong, Yardthonson Luikam (65) of Ukhrul district and Ch Basantakumar(64) of Keisamthong Top Leirak.
MPSC goalkeeper H Noren Singh was named as male footballer of the year with Na Bala Devi of NYThC, Okram Chuthek adjudged the woman footballer of the year.
Noren received Rs 5000 for the award while the woman's prize carried cash amount of Rs 2000.The fair play trophy and cash award of Rs 2000 was bagged by Athletic and Football Association, Thoubal Ningombam as the best goalkeeper award carrying similar cash amount went to Thangoulal Haolai of NACO, Nambul Mapal.
Ninja Kabui of YWC was declared as the best player of the tournament with five goal scorer in the competition M Romi of Citizens' Club, Soibam Leikai bagging the best scorer award.
Lunminlal Khongsai of YWC was named as man of the final match as Moirangthem Magho claimed the Rs 5000 best referee award prize.
All the cash prizes and trophies were donated by several individuals in memory of their near and dear ones.