Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 01:
FLAM outlasted UVSA, Chajing 9-6 via the tiebreaker to clinch the title of the 10th Challenge Cup Veterans' Football Tournament at Mapal kangjeibung today.
After normal time ended with both sides scoring two goals each penalty shoot-out had to be applied to decide the winner.
Compared to seven of the FLAM veterans converting from the spot and two missing the mark, only four UVSA players were successful out of nine attempts.
Earlier, Mani gangmei provided the UVSA breakthrough in the 20th minute of a Th Krishna cross which was neutralised by E Ratan 10 minutes later.
The match could have been decided inside the 60 minute game had FLAM's N Bobo converted a 40th minute penalty.
The keen tussle for the crown continued when Gaithounung kabui slotted home FLAM's second goal in the 52nd minute while the Lilong veterans responded with a 57th minute equaliser from H Imo only to falter.
The champions received Rs 15,000 while the runners-up side had to be content with Rs 8000.Mani Gangmei was named the tournament's best player as N Bobo with six goals in his kitty bagged the top scorer award.
The fair play trophy went to USSA, Konthoujam, best goalkeeper title to Y Khogen of UVSA and the best defender award to P Rajendro of FVWA.