Shillong, May 12: Umsning SC claimed the first ever Assam Rifles CAPF Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament girls’ title with a hard fought 1-0 victory over East Jaintia Hills District Sports Association here on Friday.
In a match deserving of the title fight, Umsning had to weather the toughest challenge they have faced in the tournament, but came through thanks to the lone goal scored by their talismanic striker Pynhun Shullet.
It was East Jaintia Hills who had the first couple of chances during the final, with Batbitbha Bareh going narrowly wide with a free-kick and Rushia Dkhar seeing her attempt collected by Umsning goalkeeper Banrisha Wahlang early in the game.
Every time that Shullet had the ball gave rise to expectations of a goal, but East Jaintia Hills stationed one defender permanently deep with three to four other players always ready to drop back to stifle the fast moving No. 7.
Neither side found the breakthrough in the first half, but Umsning came out more determined in the second. With the ball deep on the right flank, Shullet unleashed a shot that struck the crossbar and bounced down still in play, but there was no stopping her in the 47th minute when she found the back of the net.
Meeting a forward ball on the right, Shullet blazed through the defensive line and swerved back towards the middle before firing in a left-footer that went low past the keeper.
East Jaintia Hills battled hard for the equaliser, but though they created several nervous moments for Umsning in the last few minutes, the latter held on and saw the game through to the final whistle. The formal prize distribution ceremony will take place tomorrow after the boys’ final.
Meanwhile, in the two third-place playoffs, Tyrsad Higher Secondary School beat Laitkor SC on penalties 5-3 after full time ended 1-1 in the girls’ division, while Nongstoin District Sports Association defeated Wahingdoh FC 2-0 in the boys’.
The boys’ final will take place on Saturday at 2:00pm between St Anthony’s Higher Secondary School and West Jaintia Hills District Sports Association at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Polo. The two sides have met before with the former coming from behind to win 2-1 in the group stage and the final will thus be an intriguing contest. Entry for the final is free.
Besides the match itself, the closing ceremony will include a mass band performance by Assam Rifles personnel, as well as an exciting display by man’s best friends – working dogs from the Assam Rifles.
The Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr Mukul Sangma, has kindly consented to be the chief guest on the occasion.
