42nd Governor’s Gold Cup: Sikkim Aakraman sets up quarterfinal clash against East Bengal

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Sikkim Aakraman prevailed over a resolute Odisha XI 5-3 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to progress to the quarterfinal round of the ongoing 42nd Governor’s Gold Cup football tournament here at Paljor Stadium.

The local side will need to upgrade their game, especially in the attacking department, as they face the reserve team of East Bengal FC in the quarterfinal on October 11.

In Wednesday’s match, Sikkim Aakraman completely dominated proceedings but could not break down a compact Odisha XI, who played an ultra-defensive game and relied on counterattacks. Sikkim Aakraman were left to rely on half-chances as Odisha XI defended in numbers. One excellent opportunity came late in the second half when the local side was awarded a penalty following a foul inside the box. However, the spot-kick struck the side bar.

The game eventually ended goalless, sending the match into a penalty shootout, where Sikkim Aakraman goalkeeper Nimdup Lepcha saved Odisha XI’s first penalty. With both sides converting their remaining kicks, Sikkim Aakraman won 5-3.

Nimdup Lepcha was named Man of the Match.

Sikkim Aakraman now face a tough test against the reserve team of East Bengal FC in the quarterfinal. Though it is a reserve side, the Kolkata football powerhouse has enough squad depth to field a quality team.

However, Sikkim Aakraman have the advantage of playing on home ground and are already clicking as a team, having played two matches in the tournament.

Big teams coming from outside the State are known to slip in their first match on the astro-turf of Paljor Stadium.

On Thursday, Black Eagle FT (Sikkim Police), the State League champions, will play FC Banaras in another quarterfinal match.