SHILLONG: The U-14 Football Tournament 2013, organised by the Shillong Sports Association, got underway with the first two matches held at Ground No II, Polo Grounds, here on Wednesday.
FM Doph, the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, attended the inaugural function as chief guest. In his speech he congratulated the Association for taking pains to organise the tournament as football needs to be promoted at the grassroots.
He also advised the young players to play good football and to exhibit their skills so that they can be the future of the sport in the state.
The team that win the tournament will take home Rs 20,000 in prize money, with Rs 10,000 going to the runners-up.
There will also be cash prizes for the best goal keeper, defender, midfielder and top scorer. The most promising player of the tournament will also receive a cash prize.
Both of Wednesday’s matches ended in draws, but they were well-contested affairs.
In the first, Shillong Lajong shared points with Lummawbah SC, with the match ending 1-1.
Ardonald Kurkalang drew first blood for Lajong in the 18th minute, but Lummawbah fought back hard and equalised in the 60th minute through Deron Kharpuri.
Lummawbah also had a chance to score through a penalty, but the chance went abegging. The team’s goal keeper, Jeremy Syiemlieh, played a major role in checking Lajong’s attacks on goal and, in the end, both sides came away with a point each.
In the other match, Pohkseh SC took the lead through substitute Mebianglynti Khyllep in the 57th minute, but their joy was short-lived as Pynthorbah’s Maurizo Marbaniang restored parity just two minutes later and the game ended 1-1.