Nagaland (blue-red jersey) in action against Arunachal Pradesh during their Group A match at NAPTC stadium, Chümoukedima on March 20. (Morung Photo).
• Mizoram defeats Assam 3-2 • Meghalaya beat Tripura 2-1
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 20
Host state Nagaland continued its winning streak by defeating a determined Arunachal Pradesh side in a 2-1 match played at the NAPTC stadium, Chümoukedima on March 20.
Nagaland’s Surhosol Angami (#9) netted the fastest goal scored in the competition so far, as his shot reached its target just outside the penalty box in the opening seconds of the first half, sending the crowd into frenzy. Several convincing chances were created by both teams in the first half however ended in 1-0.
During the second half, Kuvezo Vero (#11) scored another for Nagaland as his shot went straight up and into the net in the 63th minute. Arunachal’s Beron Karap (#20) then scored a superb goal through a free-kick from the penalty box in the 68th minute of the match. The game quickly picked up the tempo from here on as both sides were eager to exploit each other’s defenses. Nagaland wa s dangerously close to conceding another goal if not for the home side’s stalwart goalkeeping by Homuka Sumi (#22). As the final whistle blew, the match ended in a 2-1 victory for Nagaland.
Earlier in the Group B match, Mizoram defeated Assam 3-2 after Vanlalthanga scored two goals in the 18th and 28th minute while Malsawmfela contributed another in the 58th minute. The two goal scorers for Assam were Dipu and Gopal. In the other Group A match, Meghalaya beat Tripura 2-1 as Justerwell and Lastborn contributed a goal each in the 40th and 76th minute respectively while Santajoy scored the lone goal for Tripura in the 23th minute.
March 21 Matches
Manipur Vs Assam - 9 AM
Tripura Vs Arunachal Pradesh - 11 AM
Nagaland Vs Meghalaya - 3 PM
