Shillong, Jan 22: Nongkseh clinched the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament after beating the Border Security Force 1–0 in the final at Jorethang, South Sikkim, today.
The lone goal of the match came in the 51st minute of the second half when Kynsaibor Lhuid found the net, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Shillong-based side.
Nongkseh dominated proceedings throughout the match, pressing relentlessly and enjoying the bulk of possession.
Although several chances went unconverted, they kept BSF largely on the back foot. BSF managed just one shot on target coming from a powerful header, but Nongkseh goalkeeper Daraphun Talang produced a brilliant save to preserve the lead.
Nongkseh’s Kynsai was named Man of the Tournament and was rewarded with a brand-new Tata Tiago.
The champions also lifted the prestigious trophy along with a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh.
Following their undefeated run across all competitions, Indian Super League side NorthEast United have invited Nongkseh for a pre-season friendly on 8th February in Guwahati.
Nongkseh defeated home side Red Panda FC 1-0 in the semifinals on 18th January. Two days before that Nongkseh toppled former I-League side NEROCA of Manipur 4-0. On 11th January the Meghalaya-based club got the better of Eastern Railway of Kolkata 1-0 and they started the year and their Sikkim campaign by beating Gangtok Himalayan SC on 7th January in the first round 2-1.
For the BSF team from Jalandhar, they required penalties to get through their last two fixtures – against former I-League side Sudeva Delhi in the semifinals and Paro FC of Bhutan in the quarterfinals. Before that the BSF, who received direct entry to the second round, won 2-1 against Ramhlun FC of Mizoram.
(Photo contributed)
