Namsai win see-saw battle with Kurung Kumey
NAMSAI, Dec 19: Host team Namsai defeated Kurung Kumey after a see-saw battle in the opening match of the final round of the state’s top football event, the Tadar Tadang State Level Football Championship, here on Wednesday.
The hosts came twice from behind before notching up a 3-2 win over the former champions.
Tarh Agung put Kurung Kumey ahead, scoring in the 12th minute, which was equalized by Namsai in the 34th minute through a goal from Chow Phungke Namchoom.
The score remained tied 1-1 at the end of the first half.
After the break, the referee awarded the second penalty in favour of Kurung Kumey in the 56th minute, which was beautifully converted by Agung. However, the lead was short-lived as Rahul Saikia struck in the 71st minute to restore the parity.
Five minutes later, Chow Pungke Namchoom scored his second and Namsai’s third goal in the 76th minute, which later turned out to be the match winner.
The second match was played between APP and Lower Siang, which was won by the former with a 4-0 margin.
Jaynath Milli scored all the goals for APP in the 6th, 64th, 74th and 80th minutes.
Other teams that have qualified for the final round are Changlang, Lower Subansiri, West Siang, Dibang Valley, East Kameng and defending champions Capital Complex.
Earlier, Deputy CM Chowna Mein inaugurated the championship at the APIL field amid a mammoth gathering of football lovers.
Mein applauded the sports department for organizing the event at Namsai, which, he said, would motivate the youths of the eastern part of the state towards games and sports.
Mein advised the youth to abstain from drug use, saying a considerable area of eastern Arunachal is affected by opium addiction, “which is cause of concern.”
He highlighted the state government’s various initiatives for development of the sports sector.
He also recalled the contribution of former MLA Tadar Tang and his family towards the state, especially in the field of games and sports.
Local MLA Zingnu Namchoom highlighted the problems faced in organizing such a big event in Namsai due to lack of proper infrastructure. He exuded confidence that generous support from the local people would make the event a grand success.
Arunachal Pradesh Football Association competition director John Neelam advised the players to maintain strict discipline throughout the tournament.
Unhappy over the functioning of some district football associations (DFA), he cautioned that affiliation would be cancelled if those DFAs continue to remain inactive.
The championship is organized by the Namsai District Football Association, under the aegis of the Arunachal Pradesh Football Association.
Namsai DC Tapasya Raghav and Sports Director Tadar Appa were also present.
