By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Sports Authority of India (SAI), Shillong, lifted the Under-16 Invitational Football Tournament, organised by the Meghalaya Football Players Association (MFPA), after beating Shillong Lajong FC by a solitary goal in the final played at the JN Stadium, Polo, on Saturday.
The winning goal for SAI was scored by skipper Reson Malngiang in the seventh minute following a great ball from the right flank.
Shillong Lajong boys were outplayed by SAI, who was able to dominate the proceeding of the match from the word go.
In fact, the score line would have been different if SAI was able to convert other scoring opportunities they created in the match.
SAI run away with a cash prize of Rs 25,000 while SLFC received prize money of Rs 15,000.
Besides emerging as the champions, SAI players won several honours, including Reson Malngiang (top scorer with 10 goals), Obadaiah Bareh (best player), Phrangki Buam (best promising player) and the best disciplined team.
Royal Wahingdoh’s Eric Nongkhlaw was also adjudged as a promising player of the tournament while Lajong custodian Frolicson Dkhar won the best goalkeeper award.