SHILLONG: Wanderers FC of Laban emerged as the first Meghalaya Open Football Championship winners with a 1-0 victory over Promising FC from Malki in the final at Malki Ground here on Saturday afternoon.
The tournament was organised by the Bouncers Association of Meghalaya (BAM) in conjunction with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society.
The two finalists battled it out on the dusty pitch, with only a second half goal separating them.
President of BAM, Junestar Kharbuli, told the media that the main aim in organising the competition was to create an opportunity for the youth to demonstrate their abilities.
“There are many youth in the state that are very talented, but due to some circumstances they cannot make it to the big clubs,” Kharbuli said.
He added that, as a result of this tournament, 10 players have been chosen for trials at Royal Wahingdoh FC.
Kharbuli also said that BAM aims to make this championship an annual event in order that players from the state, especially from rural areas, can continue to showcase their talent.
In all, 32 teams took part, with most from Shillong, although there were a few from farther afield.
Prizes were awarded after the final, with Wanderers’ Khlainbor Khongsit taking the Man-of-the-Match title.
The top scorer throughout the tournament was Alfoster Sunn (also of Wanderers), while the Best Goalkeeper award went to Samborlang Synret of the Seng Samla Khliehshnong team.
Promising FC could take some consolation from the day, with the Player-of-the-Tournament honour being awarded to their team mate, Gilbert Diengdoh.
