GANGTOK,: In a regional derby, Northeast United FC overpowered Mizoram club
Khawzawl Vengthar FC 3-1 in extra-time to clinch a quarterfinal spot in the 40th
Governor’s Gold Cup.
The Thursday
afternoon match had ended in a goalless draw in regulation time. Both sides
were equally matched though Northeast United held a slight edge in terms of
creating goalscoring opportunities.
Early in
extra-time, Northeast United finally beat the opponent’s defence with a neatly
placed header from Bekey Oram in the 94th minute. He doubled the
lead in the 109th minute after deftly lobbing the ball into the net
over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Two minutes
later, Mohammad Zahan struck an excellent goal to make it 3-0 and clinch the
match for Northeast United FC.
Late into the
second half of extra time, V. Lalhriatrenga managed to pull one goal back for
the Mizoram club but it could not change the match’s outcome.
Bekey Oram was
declared the ‘Man of the Match’.
With this
victory, Northeast United FC has set a quarterfinal date with Royal FC, Dubai
on November 18.
Sikkimese
footballer Robin Chettri played a vital role in his Northeast United FC team’’s
win. He played in the starting XI as a right back.
Robin hails
from DPH area, Gangtok.
Speaking to the
media, Chettri expressed his happiness on the victory and also on playing in
his home ground with Northeast United FC. I have grown up playing in this
ground but there is another kind of emotion when you play here after working
hard to get into a big club from outside the State, he expressed.
Regarding the
upcoming quarterfinal match, Chettri said the team will prepare as per the
coach’s tactics besides working on improving their game and correcting the
mistakes made in today’s game.
Today’s Match
Chennaiyin FC
vs Diamond Harbour FC
Peep! 2 pm
Northeast
United FC’s Bekey Oram receiving the ‘Man of the March’ award from Forest
minister Pintso Namgyal Lepcha. SE Pic
