CHANDEL, November 4: Japhou Youth Club (YC) staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the Super Division League title, defeating Chumbang Football Club 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the District Sports Complex, Chandel Christian, on Wednesday.
Organised by the District Sports Association (DSA), Chandel, the final witnessed an eventful contest marked by Chumbang’s early dominance, a red card and Japhou’s spirited second-half comeback.
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Chumbang FC took control of the match in the first half, with Damas and Malchong finding the net to give their side a two-goal advantage. Japhou YC faced a further setback when ST Thumlarson was sent off, leaving the team to play with 10 men.
However, Japhou YC fought back after the break, with Motilal and Alex scoring to restore parity and take the match into a penalty shootout.
Japhou YC held their nerve from the spot, with Armstrong, Marconi, Lalthangchung, Motilal and Franklyn converting their penalties. For Chumbang FC, Damas, Hibjur, Ahong and Rulthou found the net, but their effort fell short as Japhou sealed a 5-4 victory to lift the trophy.
The final brought the tournament to a close, with teams competing across the Super Division, First Division and Second Division.
The prize distribution and closing ceremony was attended by Mamoni Doley, IAS, deputy commissioner of Chandel and chairperson of the DC Chandel Trophy Football Tournament; Ts Chamna Anal, MPS, additional SP and president of DSA Chandel; HL Lovingson, vice-president and convenor of DSA Chandel; Albert Chothe; and other DSA executives.
The programme, moderated by Tongsin Shanghman, began with a prayer by Lh Frizer Anal, pastor of Chandel Christian Baptist Church. Ng Beling Moyon, assistant general secretary, conducted the prize distribution ceremony.
In the Super Division, Japhou YC and Chumbang FC secured the champions’ and runners-up positions respectively. Ruindamkhu YC and Chakpikarong YC finished first and second in the First Division, while New Wangparal YC and Chandanpokpi YC claimed the champions’ and runners-up positions in the Second Division.
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Individual awards
In the Super Division, Malchong Chothe of Chumbang FC was adjudged Best Player, while JV Roshan of Japhou YC received the Best Goalkeeper award.
In the First Division, Sungnem Bungpen of Angkhelchayang YC was named Best Player. Py Earlystar of Chakpikarong YC and Khular George of Angkhelchayang YC shared the Top Scorer award, while Hb Besingam of Chakpikarong YC was adjudged Best Goalkeeper.
In the Second Division, Thaokung Jailin of Chandanpokpi YC received the Best Player award. MK Renglin of New Wangparal YC was named Top Scorer, while Parpa Sairungam Chothe of the same club received the Best Goalkeeper award.
The tournament concluded with the felicitation of the winning teams and individual award recipients.
