By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Hosts Meghalaya will take on Arunachal Pradesh in their first match of the prestigious fourth Dr T Ao Memorial Football Tournament, which starts at the JN Stadium, Polo, from Monday.
The host team will look to start the tournament even though they are missing some key players who are playing for their respective clubs.
The annual tournament features the eight North Eastern states battling it out for top honours.
Meghalaya are in Group A, with Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Nagaland.
Strong contenders Manipur, defending champions Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura are clubbed together in Group B.
Assam will take on Nagaland in the tournament opener on Monday at 1pm, while Meghalaya rub shoulders with Arunachal Pradesh at 5pm.
Two matches will be played everyday. Tickets are priced at Rs 20 (open gallery) and Rs 30 (covered gallery).
VIP tickets will not be sold as the seats will be reserved for the team members of the participating states as well as for invitees.
All three of Meghalaya’s matches will have a 5pm kick-off.
Meghalaya’s lung opener against Arunachal will be the first football match to be held under floodlights at the ground.
The two semifinals will be held on March 25 at 1pm and 5pm respectively, while the third place play-off tie will be held the following day at 5pm. The final will be held on March 27 at 5pm.
The winners will take home a cash award of Rs 7 lakh while the runners-up will take away Rs 4 lakh.
The third-placed team will be richer by Rs 2 lakh.
The player of the tournament will win Rs 20,000 while the highest goal-scorer and best goalkeeper of the tournament will take home a purse of Rs 10,000.
Meghalaya squad:
Alwyn Patweth, Aibormiky Suchiang, Strongwell N Shanpru, Alganjones Sun, Brolington Warlarpih, Milton J Kharsati, Greeting Wahlang, Lastborn Surong, Reginald Shadap, Salseng K Sangma, Milancy Khongstia, Ronnie MC Nongbri, Kerionald Pyngrope, Teiborlang Siangshai, Norasius Kharumnuid, Niwan O Gatphoh, Bickyson Kharkongor, Donbok Khymdeit, Barland Syngkon and Lansing Kharumnuid.
Arunachal squad:
Tadu Taka, Kaling Dabhh, Taying Anthony, Tarh Rajkumar, Khyoda Apo, Habung Takar, Jyamar Loyi, Goro Anthony, Techi Takar, Toko Takar, Gichik Taming, Tadar Kojum, Nada Tamo, Byanang Dole, Hage Kemo, Toko Polium, Mihin Polo and Dare Takar.
