Assam and Meghalaya register wins in Dr T Ao Football Tournament
Assam and Meghalaya on Monday registered wins in the fourth edition of Dr T Ao Football Tournament organised in memory of the famous footballer from the region who captained the Indian national team in an international event in 1948.
While Assam came from behind to beat their rival the Nagaland state football team 2-0, the host team outplayed the state football team from Arunachal Pradesh 3-0.
Although Nagaland dominated the first half of the first game, they failed to find the net even as Lipok’s shot was brilliantly saved by Assam’s keeper.
After the lemon break, Assam changed their tactics and created many chances. Their effort was rewarded when Biswajit Swarkiyari opened for the neighbour in the 66th minute.
Biswamitra Basumatary sealed Nagaland’s fate in favour of his state team when he doubled the score in the 84th minute.
In the second match of the day, Meghalaya outplayed the visiting team from Arunachal Pradesh even as they dominated ball possession in the entire game.
While Arunachal Pradesh’ players are yet to wake up to the game, T Siangshai opened the host account in the 28th minute.
M Khongstia (53) and M Gatphoh’s goals in the 87th minute of the match sealed the fate of the visitors.
Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma inaugurated the second match and also the flood lights at the J N Stadium at Polo grounds here.