Haryana boys off to winning start

CHANDIGARH:Thang Goylian and Raj Kishore scored a brace each as Haryana Football Club drubbed Deshbandhu Coaching Centre West Bengal 61 in the inaugural match of the 15th Administratorrsquos Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament here today

Updated At : 07:57 AM Nov 23, 2017 IST

Players vie for the ball during the opening match of the Administrator’s Challenge Cup between Deshbandhu Coaching Centre and Haryana FC at the Sector 7 Sports Complex. RAVI KUMAR

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 22

Thang Goylian and Raj Kishore scored a brace each as Haryana Football Club drubbed Deshbandhu Coaching Centre, West Bengal, 6-1 in the inaugural match of the 15th Administrator’s Challenge Cup All India Football Tournament here today.

Playing at the Sector 7 Sports Complex, Goylian broke the deadlock in the in the 27th minute of the match to put Haryana 1-0 up.

After conceding the goal, West Bengal boys played for possession and in between tried to draw level with short bursts. However, the side could not permeate the Haryana FC backline.

After the lemon break, West Bengal boys stuck to their strategy and kept the ball within their reach and waited for a right chance to score. But a missed pass from half-back S Chatterjee in the 48th minute, provided Goylian a chance to double the lead for his side and the striker did not disappoint.

With a two goal advantage on their side, Haryana boys upped the ante and used their wingers more often to feed their strikers. The strategy worked as Angamba made it 3-0 for the side in the 62nd minute.

Staring down the barrel, West Bengal boys tried to break free and in the 65th minute, Saddam Khan netted a shot from the top of the penalty area to reduce the deficit.

With just 25 minutes of play left, West Bengal boys made some desperate attempts to stage a comeback. However, in the process, the side committed some unnecessary fouls, which only helped Haryana FC add to their tally.

In the 74th minute, Thomte Songput slotted the ball into the right corner of the goal post, while a minute later, Raj Kishore made it 5-1 for Haryana FC. He scored his second goal of the match in 78th minute to complete the rout.

Earlier, the championship was announced open by Secretary Sports BL Sharma and Sports Director Captain Karnail Singh.

Tomorrow, Chandigarh Football Association will face Kuljeet Football Academy, Amritsar, while Chandigarh Football Academy will lock horns with Baichung Bhutia Football School, New Delhi.

Minerva Academy Football Club, Punjab, will meet Thau Sports Academy, Manipur.