SPL semi-finalists confirmed as Singling FC secure draw against Thunderbolts

SAMIR NUGO

GANGTOK,: After a total of 28 games, the final four teams have been selected to play in the Sikkim Premier League 2023 semi-finals.

Pakyong side Roaring Leopard FC were the first team to make it to the semi-finals, followed by Aakraman SC. The third team that secured a semi-final spot was Sikkim Dragons FC and the fourth and final team to make it to the top-4 wasSingling FC.

While, Roaring leopard FC had punched their ticket to the semi-finals last week itselfand Gangtok sides Aakraman SC and Sikkim Dragons on Saturday, Singling FC needed at least a draw against Thunderbolt North United today on the last day of the league phase, to advance to the semi-finals.

Singling FC, who secured a 1-1 draw against Thunderbolt North United, and Red Panda finished with nine points each. However, it was the Soreng team which qualified for the semi-finals as the fourth-placed team based on a better goal difference. They set up a date with table-toppers Roaring Leopard in first semi-final to be played on March 25.

Red Panda FC, who were ahead of Singling FC by a point, were on the edge after losing 1-3 against Aakraman SC in their final matchat Paljor Stadium on Saturday, and needed Singling SC to lose to qualify for the semis.

Likewise, Roaring Leopard overcame first-half deficit to beat Siniolchu FC 3-2 at Bhaichung Stadium and maintain their position at the top of the points table. They ended the league stage with five wins, one draw and one loss. Their only defeat came in their opening match. The match also saw 16-year-old NorbuWangdiBhutia, the youngest player in the tournament, win the ‘emerging player of the match’ award. 

Only bottom-placed Brothers United were out of the reckoning for semi-final spot. The Gyalshing team had a miserable run in the SPL, failing to win a single match in the tournament. With 0-4 defeat against Sikkim Dragons FC at Namchi on Saturday, the Brothers United ended their campaign with zero wins, three draws and four loses. 

Sikkim Dragons, who needed only a draw to finish in top-four, will face second-placed Aakraman SC in the second semi-final on March 26.

The final will be held at Paljor Stadium on April 2.

Sikkim Premier League, a franchise-based football league, was launched this year in a bid to improve the overall standard of football in the State.

 

Points Table at the end of league stage

Teams                            M       W       D       L        GD    Pts

Roaring leopard FC        7        5        1        1        10      16

Aakraman SC                 7        3        4        -        4        13

Sikkim Dragons FC        7        3        2        2        5        11

Singling FC                    7        2        3        2        3        9

Red Panda FC                7        2        3        2        -1      9

Siniolchu FC                  7        1        3        3        -3      6

Thunderbolt NU             7        1        3        3        -3      6

Brothers United             7        -        3        4        -15    3