Motiram Bora soccer

Nagaon, Oct. 2: The stage is set for tomorrow’s title clash between first-time participants Oil India Limited and Kokrajhar Avalanche in the 38th Motiram Bora Memorial Football Tournament.

The final, to be played at Khirod Borua stadium in Morigaon, has generated tremendous enthusiasm among football fans.

Going by reputation and players’ form, OIL who are the reigning Assam Club champions, will start as the favourites though their rivals, too, are known for their spirited performance.

The organisers, Morigaon Sports Association, said they were hopeful of a full house as they expected a neck and neck contest between the two sides.

The event itself has generated a lot of enthusiasm for the participation of OIL, Kokrajhar Avalanche, Tezpur Rising Club and Golaghat SAI, the four outstation teams.

Altogether 12 teams have participated since the event kicked off on September 22.

OIL entered the final defeating Tiwa Autonomous Council Sports Eleven 6-0 in the semi-final on Wednesday.

OIL defeated hosts Boro Sikna 9-0 in the quarter-final match on Monday.

Kokrajhar Avalanche defeated Boiragihar Yuba Sangha 2-0 in the first semi-final on Tuesday.

Veteran footballers from Morigaon, Swadhin Dekaraja and Padmeswar Deka, along with Morigaon deputy commissioner Apurba Kumar Phukon, will be present for the final match as well as the closing ceremony tomorrow.

The oldest football tournament of Morigaon district was organised by Morigaon Sporting Club in 1969 in memory of Motiram Bora, the district’s first minister from the district.

In 1972, Morigaon Sporting Club handed over its ground to Morigaon Sports Association.