GANGTOK,: Paljor Stadium continues to be a happy hunting ground for Khawzawl
Vengthar FC.
The Mizoram
club had earlier this August lifted the State-level Independence Day football
tournament at this stadium. Two months later, they kick-started their campaign
for the 4th Governor’s Gold Cup with an emphatic 5-1 victory over Army (Red) at
the same ground on Sunday.
The match
showcased the club's clinical counterattacking style, which proved too much for
the Army defence. Striker Lalremnuana was the star of the show, registering a
first-half hat-trick. He started the
goal rush as early as the 2nd minute. Six minutes later, another
rapid counterattack saw Lalnunriza doubling the lead.
Despite being
on the back foot early, the Army team regrouped and created several
opportunities, pressing hard in the Khawzawl Vengthar penalty area. However,
poor finishing meant they were unable to capitalize. In the 30th minute, the
Army’s defence was caught off guard once again when Lalnunriza sent in a
precise cross for Lalremnuana to score his second goal.
The Army's
persistence finally paid off in the 39th minute when Jacob V capitalized on a
loose ball to pull one back for his side. But just as hopes of a comeback began
to build, Lalremnuana completed his hat-trick in added time before the break,
putting Khewzawl Vengthar 4-1 up at halftime.
After the
break, Khawzawl Vengthar maintained their dominance, sealing the win with a
fifth goal in the 51st minute. The Army players continued to push for goals but
were denied twice by the goalpost in crucial moments.
Lalremnuana was
adjudged as the ‘man of the match’ for his three goals.
With this win,
the Mizoram club has set up a pre-quarterfinal clash with Northeast United FC
in the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup. The match takes place on November
14.
Coach PC
Lachhanchhuaha expressed happiness on his side’s victory and shared that the
team remains motivated to continue its success story at Paljor Stadium. We are
the champions here in Independence Day Cup and we aim to become Governor’s Gold
Cup champions also for which we have prepared strongly, he said.
Nine players
from the Independence Day Cup winning squad have travelled to Gangtok for this
tournament. Remaining players in Khawzawl Vengthar have been selected from
other teams in Mizoram, it was informed.
SIMFED chairman
Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia was the chief guest for the match with Denzong
Cooperative Society chairman RK Waling as the guest of honour.
Today’s Match
Chenniyian FC
vs Punjab Police
Peep! 2 pm
