Chajing FC cruise to 20th Challenge Cup title
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 22 2018: Chajing FC played out a 1-1 draw with Langol FC before beating the latter team by 6-3 goals via a penalty shoot-out and lifted the title of the 20th Challenge Cup Veterans Football Tournament 2018 organised by All Manipur Veteran Football Association at Mapal Kangjeibung today.

Langol FC looked positive in the beginning as they took a 1-0 lead in the first half through a goal scored by Pamei Louvhum in the 19th minute.

But Chajing FC who spent a lacklustre first half sprang up in the second half with more understanding among the players and it was S Budha who handed the Chajing side the much anticipated equaliser in the 38th minute of this keenly contested title match.

Despite of desperate attempts from both ends, the game ended 1-1 during regulation time stretching it to penalty shoot-out to decide the winners.

In the penalty shoot-out, Gandhi, Hemo, Mohon, Rabin and Bidhu were able to slot home the ball for the Chajing side while only Seikhomang and Paojagin of Langol FC beat the keeper of Chajing FC to go down by 3-6 goals.

The closing ceremony of the tournament was attended by Educaction Minister L Jayantakumar; K Radhakumar, IAS Retd, Registrar, National Sports University; L Nabakumar, Former National Football player from Assam; K Gopeshwor Singh, former international player as dignitaries who also gave away prizes to the winners and other participants.

The winners, Chajing FC walked away Rs 50,000 richer along with the winners' trophy while Langol FC were awarded runners up trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 30,000.Third placed Lilong FC were also encouraged with Rs 15,000 .

Individual prizes (3,000 cash) were also distributed on the occasion with the first goal scorer prize going to S Surchandra of VFC, Kakwa while S Lokeshwor of FC Langol bagged the best goalkeeper prize.

Seikhomang of Langol FC bagged the best defender award while N Bijay of Lilong FC bagged the best midfielder prize.

N Gandhi of Chajing FC claimed the best striker and top scorer (11 goals) prizes while TH Hagin Singsit of Langol FC claimed the best player prize.

First goal scorer of the final match, Pamei Louvhum of Langol FC, most important player of the final match, S Budha Singh of Chajing FC, man of the final match, Kh Deban of Chajing FC were also feted on the occasion.

AMBA Cheirap Court bagged the special prize of Rs 3,000 while UKFC bagged the fair play team prize of 5,000.Media persons, referees, medical team, IMC etc.

were also presented simple gift for their role in successful conduct of the tournament.

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