Lawmali defeat Assam Rifles to lift the 4th Assam Rifles Invitational Football Tournament

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 16, 2019

SHILLONG: Lawmali showed their tough mental strength to beat Assam Rifles 2-1 in a thrilling final match of the 4th Assam Rifles Invitational Football Tournament 2019 at the JN Stadium today.

It was a thrilling match right from the opening minute where both the teams fought hard to have a breakthrough and it was in the 29th min the jawans got the upperhand through Kipgen’s header that got the jawans in the lead. Lawmali almost bagged the equaliser at the end of the first half, but their goal was flagged for offside which ended 1-0 in the first half.

In the second half , Lawmali spiritedly capitalized through a defensive error from the jawans that made the score 1-1 through a goal from Will Marbaniang in the 50th min. Barely a couple of minutes later, Marbaniang went deep on the left and chipped the ball looking for Damehun Syih who took the chance and score to take the lead 2-1.

Assam Rifles then went on the offensive, but the Lawmali defenders and keeper Eric Nongkhlaw, who was named ‘Best Custodian’ at the prize distribution ceremony, had their measure. Like Lawmali, the jawans also had a goal disallowed for offside and the thrilling game ended 2-1 in favour of Lawmali.

The Champions Lawmali were awarded a trophy and sum of Rs.1,00,000 whereas the jawans took home a sum of Rs 50,000. This award were handed by the chief guest Tathagata Roy the Honourable Governor of Meghalaya in presence of Director General of Assam Rifles Lt. Gen Sukhdeep Sangwan.

The Honourable Governor said in his speech. “I am privileged to be invited to this tournament. I have repeatedly spoken about my past association with this beautiful city and I know that this city is passionate about football, has picturesque football grounds and is home to some of India’s best footballers. Assam Rifles is promoting sports in the North East and it is an opportune time for all teams to learn from each other and build lasting relationships. I congratulate the finalists and congratulate Assam Rifles for holding the tournament in a very grand manner,” he added