UVSA edge Keishamthong FC 4-2 to win 22nd Challenge Cup title
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 26 2023: UVSA-Lilong Chajing emerged champions of the 22nd Challenge Cup Veterans' Football Tournament with a 4-2 final victory over Keishamthong FC.

S Budha of UVSA starred with a brace (39', 48') in his team's 4-2 win after Kh Romen (14') and N Gandhi (29') made it 2-1.It was M Sanjitkumar who gave KFC the lead after 13 minutes but the team failed to sustain the momentum and slumped to 1-4 in 48 minutes before Y Dijendra pulled back a goal in the 59th minute to make it 2-4 at the end.

UVSA walked away Rs 1 lakh richer along with a trophy donated by Th Arunkumar, MLA Wangkhei AC in memory of his late father Thangjam Birachndra Singh and late mother Thangjam (o) Maipakpi Devi.

Runners up, Keishamthong FC in the meantime received a cash prize of Rs 60,000 and a trophy dedicated by Sapam Kunjakesar, MLA Patsoi AC to all sports persons of the State.

VSAI-Thangmeiband who finished third also received a cash reward of Rs 20,000 and a trophy as BDVSA received the fair play prize worth Rs 5,000 .

First goal scorer of the tourney- Kh Ranjit of AFFC; fastest goal scorer- O Inaocha of MPSC; oldest player- G Dhankumar Sharma (62 years) of 9 AM-Yaiskul;; best goalkeeper - K Devan of UVSA; best defender- W Chaoba of KFC; best midfielder- S Itocha of UVSA; best striker- M Sanjitkumar of KFC; top scorer- M Sanjitkumar of KFC; best player- S Budha of USA; best coach- Y Khogen of UVSA; special prize winner- AFFC Heingang; first goal scorer of the final match- M Sanjitkumar of Keishamthong FC; most valuable player of the final match- Kh Romen of UVSA were also feted with cash rewards of Rs 3,000 each donated by various sports lovers.

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