ITANAGAR, Aug 21: Defending champion Banggo United became the first team to enter the semifinals of the Itanagar Solung Football Tournament being played at the AAPBn ground near here in Chimpu on Wednesday.
The reigning champion came back from one goal behind to defeat Dadi Bote FC 2-1.
Dadi Bote took the lead six minutes into the play through penalty kick taken by Maktem Yirang.
Stung by the early goal, the defending champion regrouped and came out with all guns blazing. Banggo United restored the parity in the 40th minutes through their prolific striker Franklin Taki.
Tony Ragyor netted the match winner in the 61st minutes.
In another quarterfinal match, Donggin FC squandered an early lead and went down fighting 4-5 (6-7) to Naharlagun Solung FC in penalty shootout.
The match went to tie-breaker after the teams were tied 2-2 in regulation and extra-time.
Earlier, Talom Taring put Donggin FC ahead, scoring in the sixth minute before Kabang Pari doubled the score in the 18th minute. But, the team could not hold onto the lead as Tajing Siram reduced the margin to 1-2, scoring in the 31st minute.
Naharlagun Solung FC, desperate for an equalizer, regrouped well in the second half and mounted pressure on the rival’s half. The found the elusive equalizer in the 69th minute, scored by Tokiram Panyang (2-2).
