Manipur snatches Dr T Ao Football tittle for the 3rd time
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 02 2015 :
Manipur defeated host Assam 4-3 in the title match of the 6thDr T Ao Football Tournament on Friday at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati.
In the closely contested final match, both the teams began the proceedings with fiery counter attacks.
It was Manipur who got the lead through Pritam Singh in the 22nd min causing heat break to the home crowd.
Jilendra Brahma restored the hope of their fans by reducing the deficit in the next min.
At half time both teams were 1-1 .
The first quarter of second half saw both teams trying to measure the intentions of each others.
Suddenly, the tempo increases with Ananda Kumar dogged his market and slotted the ball into the net of Assam in 68th min to hand over the lead to Manipur.
Pritam lapped on the defensive error of Assam and increased the lead in 70th min to take his personal score to two goals.
With five minutes to go Tuboi secured the title with a goal in 85th min for Manipur.
Assam pressed hard to stay in the match with more players coming forward, the effort resulted in Maneswar Mushahary finding the target in 88th min.
The goal added a new life to Assamese player and swamp Manipur territory.
In injury time, Assam got a penalty and Jilendra converted successfully to pose the match at 4-3.However, the effort of Assam came too late and Manipur lifted the trophy for the 3rd time.
Earlier, Mizoram beat Nagaland 6-1 in the play-off match for the third position.