ITANAGAR, Aug 14: One of the tournament favourites, Abor Warriors and defending champion Bango United joined Donggin FC and RGU Yameng in the quarterfinals of the Itanagar Solung Football Tournament, being conducted at the AAPBn ground, near here in Chimpu.
Abor Warriors entered the knockout round with two wins and a draw from pool ‘D’, while Donggin FC advanced to the quarterfinals with all-win and no loss record from pool A.
The Warriors held Abor Ao FC to a 2-2 draw in their last group level match on Wednesday, thanks to Abu Tayeng’s two second half goal through penalty kicks.
Abor Ao having just three points from their first two matches was desperate for a win to qualify for the quarters. They started the match cautiously. Ignatius Padung, who scored four goals in the previous match, put Abor Ao FC ahead, scoring in the 17th minute. He doubled the score in the 45 +3 minute.
The team was leading Abor Warriors 2-0 at halftime.
The Warriors were awarded two penalty kicks in the second half and Tayeng did not miss the spot kicks to level the score (2-2).
A win could have ensured Abor Ao a quarterfinal berth. However, the team still has chance to advance to the quarterfinals if Naharlagun Solung FC loses against Gidum FC.
Pool ‘A’ topper and defending champion Bango United FC beat Doying Bote FC 3-0 to remain undefeated in the group.
Leading scorer Franklin Taki netted two goals in the 19th and 45th minutes while Dodo Pangeng scored the third goal in the 65th minute.