Shillong, Mar 15: Lawmali SC and Assam Rifles will clash for the much-coveted champions’ trophy of the 4th Assam Rifles Invitational Football Tournament at the JN Stadium here tomorrow. Kick-off will be at 3:45PM.
Lawmali, who beat twice champions Smit in the semifinal on Thursday, could be the first team apart from Smit and Assam Rifles from winning the title. Smit were the champions in 2016 and 2018, while Assam Rifles bagged the title in 2017.
Sixteen teams began the knockout tournament, which began on 6th March, with the top two set to battle it out for the 2019 title. Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy will be the chief guest at the final.
This season Lawmali have scored 10 goals while only conceding three. On the other hand, Assam Rifles have scored 20 goals while also conceding three.
Lawmali have a young squad, but many of their players are regular members of top local clubs. Damehun Syih, Will Marbaniang and Shanbor Jyrwa will be key players. The jawans will rely on Lalboi Kipjen to get them a few goals tomorrow. He has already scored eight goals in three games, including two hat-tricks. Jefferson Nongrud, who previously played his club football for Nangkiew Irat, and H Haokip will also be danger players for Assam Rifles.
The action on the pitch is sure to be of high quality and, besides the football, there will also be a mass band display, which has become an impressive and eagerly awaited part of the show over the years.
The Assam Rifles has extended an open invitation to the public to attend the final and entry will be free.
(Assam Rifles photos)
