North-East Dr. T Ao Trophy: Mizoram defeat Assam, Sikkim hold Meghalaya

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Jan. 23 (EMN): Mizoram defeated Assam while Sikkim tied up with Meghalaya during the fourth day of the ongoing North-East Dr. T Ao Trophy played at IG Stadium in Kohima on Thursday.

Mizoram added three more points with four of its forwards scoring a goal apiece during the first match played against Assam.

Mizoram took an early lead within four minutes into the kick off when striker F. Lalrinpuia launched a long-range shot towards the target and hit the back of the net.

The shot slid beneath the goalkeeper’s arm and entered the goal line giving Mizoram the lead.

Assam team scuffled hard with Mizoram for an equalizer in the first half but failed to create chances.

After the break, Mizoram scored another goal in the 78th minute to make it 2-0. Mizoram’s forward Vanlalthlamuana took the shot while Assam’s goalkeeper Sahu made the initial safe, diving towards the left post to parry away the shot, but the ball rebounded back into the net.

Lalchungnunga Chhangte, scored the third goal of the match for Mizoram through his strike in the 81st minute from inside the box after a brilliant display of intricate team play.

Forward M.S Dawngliana neatly converted the fourth goal via a penalty in the added time for Mizoram following a tackle inside the D-box.

Captain Maneswar Mushahary of Assam received a second yellow card after the final whistle for being disrespectful to the referee.

Meanwhile in the second match of the day, Meghalaya and Sikkim tussled hard during the first half with both sides failing to score a goal.

After the break, Meghalaya’s defender Atlanson Kharmaw, scored the opening goal of the match in the 77th minute. Meghalaya managed to hold on to the solitary goal of Kharmaw until the stipulated 90 minutes.

However, Sikkim staged a dramatic late comeback and found the much-needed equalizer through a spectacular shot from substitute Dawa Sherpa in the added time, and the match ended in a draw.

Mizoram is currently leading Group B with 6 points and Sikkim in second position with 4 points, Meghalaya standing in the third place with 1 point while Assam is yet to open its account.

Group B consisting of Mizoram, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Assam will end their league round on Saturday wherein the winner and runner-up of the group will clash in the semi-finals.
Today’s matches
Tripura vs Arunachal at 2:00 pm
Nagaland vs Manipur at 4:30 pm