Saturday, Nov 09, 2024 22:45 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Nov 08, 2024 17:09 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Sikkim Police crushed Khalighat MS 5-0 on Friday to enter the
pre-quarterfinal round of the 40th Governor’s Gold Cup football
tournament being organised by Sikkim Football Association (SFA) here at Paljor
Stadium.
Striker Sanjay
Rai scored a hattrick in this comfortable win for the State champions while
earning an enviable place in the record books of Governor’s Gold Cup.
However, it was
a thumping strike from midfielder Boxer Pradhan that provided the early lead
for the police in the 17th minute.
Pradhan picked
up a loose ball, ghosted past two opponents and hit a belter that gave the
Kalighat MS goalkeeper absolutely no chance. It is an early ‘goal of the
tournament’ contender which also earned the ‘Man of Match’ award for him.
Sanjay Rai then
took centre stage with a fine strike in the 32nd minute to double
the lead for the Sikkim Police team. Six minutes later he scored his second
goal to make it 3-0 at half-time.
Rai completed
his hattrick in the 62nd minute followed by a goal from captain Phip
Raj Limboo to register a comfortable victory.
Kalighat MS,
despite the embarrassing score-line, played a contesting match and could have
made a comeback but failed to capitalize the good chances that came along.
Sports minister
Raju Basnet declared the tournament open.
Speaking to the
media, Sikkim Police team captain Phip Raj Limboo credited the emphatic victory
to the support and motivation coming from senior police officers, and the
strong preparations the squad made under their coaches and support staff. Our
players were in good form at the State league and we continued with this
momentum, he said.
Similarly,
Sanjay Rai said his hattrick feat was possible due to the teamwork and guidance
of the coaches. We were in a josh to play a team from outside Sikkim and it
helped us to stay energized throughout the match, he said.
Sikkim Police
now takes I-League side Gokulam FC (Kerala) in their pre-quarterfinal match on
November 12.
Today’s Match
Gangtok
Himalayan SC vs GTA XI
Peep! 2 pm
