NAHARLAGUN, Mar 10: The last match of the league phase of the Maruti Nexa Model Super League ended in a hard fought draw between Petwa United Football Club (PUFC) and Athletico De Model Football Club (ADMFC).
Both teams were missing key players due to injuries sustained in the league, but the players gave their all to book a berth in the finals.
A penalty awarded in the first half saw ADMFC take the lead via an excellent conversion by prolific scorer Kipa Takum. ADMFC doubled the lead early in the second half when veteran forward Techi Tada scored taking advantage of a defensive error.
PUFC replied back by an astonishing goal by Teli Rontu and this reinvigorated the team and soon they equalized by a goal by Kakang Beyong.
The PUFC players led by experienced Tarh Anthony kept possession and this dominance led to them taking the lead via a long range effort from Nabam Gumde when the ADMFC defense failed to clear the ball properly.
The match had a final twist when ADMFC needing at least a draw dug deep and found equalizer in the final few minutes through Mangminlal Kipgen.
Both teams failed to break the deadlock and both qualified for the finals to be played on 17th of March 2018.
Dorjee Sherpa of PUFC received the ‘man of the match’ award for his hard work in the defense.