State Sports Academy and Namthang Football Academy started their Sikkim Football Association U-17 Football League 2019 campaign with victories at Paljor Stadium in Gangtok on Sunday.
By showing their strong presence in the league, State Sports Academy registered an easy victory over Dzongu Football Club by 6-nil.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Lawrence Rai scored a hattrick while his teammates Lakpa Norby Sherpa scored a brace and Amoje Chettri added a goal for the team’s victory.
However, Dzongu FC boys played a good game but could not find the net.
State Sports Academy secured the full three points from its first win the league.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
In another neck-to-neck played match, Namthang Football Academy edged past Chujachen Sports Academy 2-1 to get the full three points.
Diwas Chettri and Dewan Rampal contributed a goal each for Namthang FA while solitary goal of Chujachen Sports Academy was scored by Pem Tshering Lepcha.
The inaugural match has the secretary to Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Dr RK Tamang as the chief guest while the director of SYA, NK Pradhan, was present as the guest of honour.
Ten teams from different parts of the state have participated in this U-17 League, which is being organised by Sikkim Football Association for the first time.
Teams have been divided into two groups having five in each to play league matches. Top two teams from each group will be playing semi-final matches in the league.
SFA has constituted a three-member selection committee to shortlist skilful players from the participating teams in the league to make the state team for the upcoming junior nationals.
The association has also planned to make this league an annual event of the state.