Kokrajhar, Oct. 7: A brace by Ajoy Pandey helped Assam Rhino, Tezpur, edge past Gossaigaon Salbagan Sports Club 3-2 and move into the pre-quarters of 17th edition of the Daoharu Mungkhlong Football Trophy at Dotma in Kokrajhar.

In a humdinger of a match that saw both sides engrossed in a battle of one-upmanship today, it was Pandey who broke the deadlock in the 41st minute to give Rhino a 1-0 lead.

Rhino consolidated its position in the 58th minute with Goraghand Marandi striking one to perfection.

However, Salbagan reversed the tide by scoring two goals in quick succession — in the 70th and 74th minutes — to draw parity against the run of play. Biranjoy Brahma and Manjit Boro scored for Salbagan.

But there was a twist in the tale at the fag end of the match with Pandey scored his second goal of the day to seal the match for his team.

Tomorrow, Cooch Behar Municipality Recreation Sports Club, West Bengal, will take on Udalguri Kashibari Youth Club.

Twelve teams from across the country are taking part in the tournament.

VM Trophy: Assam lost to Odisha by 125 runs in their second match of the under-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy in Ranchi. Opting to bat at the JSCA international cricket complex, Odisha put up a modest 253 for eight in 50 overs. In reply, the Assam batsmen were dismissed for 128 in 42.3 overs.

Assam squad: The Assam Cricket Association has selected 15 players to represent the state in the Vijay Merchant Trophy (under-16) match against Bengal from October 10. The squad will be led by Jitumoni Kalita.