cem cup

Nagaon, Sept. 13: Siphir Football Club Mizoram were crowned champions of the 7th CEM Cup football tournament, defeating Dimapur District Sports Association 2-0 at NL Daologupu sports complex at Haflong today.

Siphir Football club led Dimapur 1-0 till the end of the first half.

Siphir right-winger Lalchanjuala’s beautiful corner shot in the 15th minute brought the first goal of the match.

In the 65th minute, Siphir striker Lalchanpuia’s free kick brought the second goal of the match.

Siphir players dominated the match all through the first and second halves.

“The Dimapur team fell because of its lack of team unity. Weak defence is also a vital cause of its pitiable performance in today’s final,” said Rolendra Langthasa, a soccer fan of Gunjung.

Dimapur Sports Association and Siphir Football Club entered the quarter-final directly.

Dimapur defeated 119 Territorial Army 5-4 in the third quarter-final on Thursday. It entered the final defeating football heavyweight Morning Star 1-0 on Sunday.

Siphir Football Club defeated host Evergreen Club 4-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday.

The Dima Hasao District Sports Association organised the meet. Rimin nelaiba (tradition sports of the Dimasas) was showcased at half-time.

“We have a lot to do for the infrastructure development of the N.L. Daologupu sports complex which will ultimately yield to a more sports friendly environment in this hill district,” said Dima Hasao autonomous council chief executive member Debajeet Thausan.

He and senior Congress leader Biren Singh Engti participated in the closing ceremony as special guests.