Thong Nokbe College at Dokmoka in Karbi Anglong on Wednesday emerged winners of the Assam University’s 7th Inter College Football Tournament for men.
Thong Nokbe College defeated Haflong Government College of Dima Hasao district in a keenly-contested football match at Silchar’s District Sports Association (DSA) ground.
These two teams locked horns against each other for the finals of the Assam University’s 7th Inter College Football Tournament for men on Wednesday evening under fading lights which was witnessed by many football lovers including many faculty members and students of the University.
Thong Nokbe College lifted the trophy after netting twice against their rivals while allowing only their goal post net to rattle just once. Played for 35 minutes each for both halves, the goal line at half time read as 0-0. Though many chances were created for both the teams, but a first half break did not trouble the scorers.
In the second half, a goal at 42nd minute by Thong Nokbe College opened the score line but was short-lived as Haflong Government College scored the equaliser the very next minute by a beautiful header.
However, a goal by Thong Nokbe College at the 56th minute sealed the doors for Haflong Government College team which fought for the next 14 minutes, but in vain.
A scoreline of 2-1 in favour of Thong Nokbe College was all it took for them to lift the trophy, and stem the controversy that was attached to this tournament.
Both these teams were slated to play the finals on August 13 last but Assam University’s own team having lost in the semis protested and forced Vice Chancellor Dilip Chandra Nath to stop this game at half time that day.
“Finally, a better team won the tournament and the spectators have enjoyed a well-skilled, well-fought football match today,” said A Nagaraju, Director, Assam University Sports Board, the organizers of the tournament.
Niranjan Das, an official of Assam University Sports Board, and the main man behind organizing this football tournament comprising 16 teams from 5 districts of Assam, talking to Northeast Now, said, “We are here to harness talent. If these boys and girls get a scope to compete against each other, their level of play would jump a notch higher.”
“I am grateful to all the members of DSA Silchar for extending their fullest cooperation in successfully conducting this football tournament,” added Das.