SHILLONG: Umlyngka got the better of Shillong Lajong FC to come back from a goal down to win 2-1 in the final of the U-14 Football Tournament, organised by Shillong Sports Association, at Polo Ground on Saturday.
Lajong looked positive in their approach as they carved out opportunities early on and quickly took the lead when Guidingstar Malieh found the back of the net in the eighth minute when he lashed a powerful shot past the Umlyngka keeper after piercing the defence.
However, the physical aspect of Umlyngka came to the fore, when the team from Upper Shillong found the equaliser in the first half stoppage time through Ferdinand Kharbuli.
The second half saw Umlyngka as the more dangerous side. They took the lead in the 49th minute when Banker Nongsiej scored after a throw-in.
The young Reds subsequently threw whatever they had at the Umlyngka side.
The equaliser nearly materialised at the very end of the match when Freestar, who had an outstanding match, unleashed a powerful left-footer, but the Umlyngka custodian did well to keep out the goal.
The match then ended, going in favour of Umlyngka, crowning them as champions of the Under-14 Tournament.
Besides the winners and runners-up awards, there were several other prizes to be distributed at the closing ceremony.
Among those to be recognised was the top scorer of the tournament, Wanshanbok Kurbah of Marbisu.
SLFC’s Batskhem Nongsiej bagged the prize for best midfielder, while Brightstar Rapsang (Umlyngka) was adjudged best defender.
Jeremy Syiemlieh (Lummawbah) and Pynshaibor Thangkiew (MLP) were named the best goalkeepers, while Aenam Jyrwa (Mawkhar) and Gideon Kharhill (Pohkseh) were recognised as the most promising players.
