SENTINELS FOOTBALL

Shillong, March 14: Golden Boot winner Wanlamsuk Nongkhlaw scored a brace that saw Smit SC take away the coveted trophy of the Sentinels Football Tournament, organised by Assam Rifles with the support of Meghalaya Football Association, in the final against Lawsohtun SC at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.

Nongkhlaw's tight-angled shot on the run in the second minute caught the sluggish defence by surprise, but the rest of the first half remained goalless as Lawsohtun lifted their game. It would have been impossible for Kenio Lyngkhoi to stop Nongkhlaw's first goal, but the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament later showed why he deserved the award with a brilliant save in the 19th minute off a free kick.

In the 74th minute, the number seven passed the ball to Fullmoon Mukhim, who advanced into the box and then neatly back-heeled the ball to Nongkhlaw. The Golden Boot winner then curled the ball in and benefited from a bit of luck when it came off the crossbar and crossed the line.

U-20 nationals: Shillong Lajong FC and Royal Wahingdoh FC will send teams to compete in the under-20 All-India Football Tournament at Chittaranjan in West Bengal. Wahingdoh's first match against East Bengal is on Wednesday, while their second against Mohun Bagan will be on Friday. Lajong will take on Tata Football Academy on Thursday and Salgaocar FC on Saturday. All matches will be played at Srilata Football Ground.