GUWAHATI, Sept 12 – Three Star Club of Nepal cruised into the final of the 59th Bharat Ratna Lokapriya Bordoloi Trophy Football Tournament in their maiden appearance.
In the first semifinal of the championship, the Nepal team outshot former champions Assam Regimental Centre, Shillong 4-3 in sudden death.
In the regulation 90 and extra 30 minutes, both the teams failed to break the dead lock and in tie-breaker both the teams struck thrice out of five shots.
In sudden death, Buddha Chemjong of Nepal hit the target, while Regimental stopper Ramhlun failed.
It was, however, the Shillong team which had distinct domination in the regulation time and they should blame Ajit Kumar Singh, Rockey Kom and Vanal Ruia for not winning the match in the regulation time.
The Regimental frontliners created numerous openings but due to lack of accuracy in shooting on target they were deprived of goals on all occasions. But credit goes to Nepal custodian Kiron Chemjung who made some splendid saves during the course with perfect anticipation. In the tie-breaker also he fisted away two shots from Regimental shooters diving both sides.
Nepal strikers – Jogesh Gurung, Ranjit Shrestha, Anil Ojha – showed some class but finally they could not hit at the Regimental fort despite entering into their striking zone. Interestingly, the Nepal team failed to score in all the three matches they played so far in this tournament.
They finally reinforced their defence putting an extra player in the second session of the regulation time and the strategy paid dividend. The Regimental defenders performed well and contained the Nepal attackers with ease.
In the penalty shoot-out, Anil Ojha, Bijaya Dhimal, Rajkumar Ghising and Buddha Chemjong were the successful shooters for Nepal, while for Assam Regimental Centre Vanal Peka, Somorjit Singh and Vanal Ruia could hit the target.
Today’s match (S/F at 5.30 pm): Abahoni vs Shillong Lajong.
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