GANGTOK,: Gangtok Himalayan SC ensured Sikkim’s presence in the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup in the quarterfinal round with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Delhi’s Sudeva FC at Paljor Stadium on Wednesday.
The pre-quarterfinal match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, was ultimately decided by a 3-2 victory in the tie-breaker.
The home side will now face the much-anticipated challenge of Kelantan FC from Malaysia in the quarterfinals on November 17.
Gangtok Himalayan SC captain Kunal Tamang believes that players, having played two matches so far together as a team, would be far more coordinated and better prepared for the foreign club.
Gangtok Himalayan SC's start to today’s match was far from ideal, as they conceded an own goal in the 8th minute. Defender Sangay Dundel, under pressure from an onrushing Sudeva FC striker, attempted a clearance but inadvertently sent the ball into his own net.
However, the home side responded well to the early setback. In the 18th minute, foreign striker Snorton rifled in a powerful equalizer, much to the delight of the home team fans. Despite several chances to take the lead, including missed opportunities from foreign striker Maxwell, the home side could not find the back of the net again. Sudeva FC also squandered multiple chances, and the game ended 1-1 after regulation time.
With neither side able to break the deadlock in extra time also, the match was pushed to a penalty shootout — the first of the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup to be decided in such a manner.
Gangtok Himalayan goalkeeper Nimdup Lepcha proved to be the hero in the shootout, making a crucial save when Sudeva FC was in a favorable position. The Delhi side also missed two other penalty attempts, including the final shot, allowing the local club to triumph 3-2.
Lepcha’s outstanding performance throughout the match was key to Gangtok Himalayan SC's success. He was particularly decisive during one-on-one encounters with the opposition, making vital saves that kept his team in the game. He will again prove to the match-saver in tie-breaker which ended 3-2 in the local club’s favour
Speaking to the media, Gangtok Himalayan SC captain Kunal Tamang said the victory was a team’s effort. It is just our second game as a team and there are some challenges to play in a well-set manner…our mistake led to an own goal and made it difficult for us to win the match, he said.
Tamang added that team coordination has considerably improved, especially in the second half and extra-time which created better incisiveness among the players.
Regarding the upcoming quarterfinal match, Tamang said: “By now, after playing two matches, we have come to know who is better in which position. We will start our preparations accordingly from tomorrow. We will be well-placed for the quarterfinal as it is our third match.”
Gangtok Himalayan player Akash Sundas was declared the ‘man of the match’.
Today’s Match
Khawzawl Vengthar FC vs Northeast United
Peep! 2 pm