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