2nd Open Night Football tourney gets underway at D Phaihel
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, September 29 2018:
The 2nd edition of Kuki Football Academy Open Night Football Tournament, 2018 kicked off impressively on September 27 evening under a pleasant weather at D Phaihel village in Kangpokpi District in simple but glittering inaugural ceremony.
The Kuki Football Academy, Kangpokpi District scripted history in Manipur football when it introduced the first Night Football Tourney under the bright Havells Bulb first time in Manipur at D Phaihel village in the newly created district last year.
Interestingly, the Havells Bulbs costing an approximate estimated amount of Rs 1.5 lakh fitted in more than eight floodlight pole surrounding the playground in the first edition were changed into LED Bulbs in the 2nd edition to give more brightness and convenience to the players as well as the fans.
Dr Rangitabali Waikhom, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi who graced the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd edition of KFA Open Night Tourney set the mood of the enthusiastic players and fans by hoisting up the flag of Kuki Football Academy as a mark of the inauguration.
Mahesh Naraian, also better known as Hemant Pandey, IPS, SP Kangpokpi; former international footballer, Renedy Singh, who is currently the President of Football Players' Association, India (FPAI) and his father who is also a former state football player also attended the function as guest of honours and special invitees respectively.
All dignitaries gracing the 2nd edition of KFA Open Night Tourney inaugural ceremony spoke well of the magnificent playground, appreciated Kuki Football Academy and its founder for such an inspiring approach with an aim to develop the beautiful football game among the youths.
After inspection of players by the dignitaries and photo session, Renedy Singh, President FPAI kicked off the tourney by kicking in a ball inside the playground.
A awe-inspiring opening match saw the Kuki Football Academy U-17 ousting Kholjang Youth Club by a slender 2-1 goals with a brace by Lamminlen (15' and 45') while Jangchinglen of Kholjang Youth Club pulled back a late goal in the 60th minute.
The second match at around 6.30 pm between Luwangsangol Youth Club and Chollha Football Club ended in 2-2 draw.
Chollha FC led the game in the 15th minute through a strike from Lamkholen and another 23rd minute strike from Seikhohao while the equalizer of Luwangsangol Youth Club came after Thangtinlen and Elminhao struck home in the 45th and 52nd minutes respectively.
In third match between Longpijang Youth Club held 7 Brothers Leitanpokpi to a goalless draw while in the fourth match FC Huilhi, Songjang beat Gelnal Youth Club 1-0 margin off a goal from Hemgunsei in the 60th minute.
Kamthenlal hattrick (6', 7', 34') gave Free Fire SC an impressive win over Chalbung Youth Club in the fifth match despite Chalbung YC having the first minute score through Lamkholun while in the sixth match Haipi Youth Athletic overcame NitinThusoh FC 5-0 with goals from Lungousem (26', 36'), Thangjonlen (40', 55') and Luntinhao (52') .
Twilight Star Sapormeina defeated Puldou Camp with a solitary goal through Kamminun in the 38th minutes in the seventh match of the tourney today while Ebenezer FC thumped Taloulong FC 2-0 in the eighth match with goals from Boilen (6') and Rahul (26').Altogether, an impressive 48 strong participating clubs are taking part in the 2nd edition of KFA Open Night Tourney, 2018.The tourney carries winner�s prize of Rs 70,000 with trophy and the runners' up prize of Rs.30,000 with a trophy.
In the individual category, Best Keeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Best Striker, Top Scorer and Man of the Tournament will be awarded impressively on the final day.