Nagaland Police skipper Limakumzuk’s stunning long ranger in the 5th minute of their semifinal game against India Club, Silchar at the ongoing 68th edition of Bharat Ratna Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy football tournament on Friday was enough to take the Nagaland team to the final for the first time since 2009.
In the 1st semifinal match, Nagaland got into the driver’s seat as their captain Limakumzuk scored a stunner in the 5th minute to take the lead. Despite a nervy goalkeeping for Niethovilie Chalieu, he managed to keep a clean sheet for two consecutive games. A defensive game plan in the second half saw Nagaland Police team holding on to the lead till the long whistle.
Meanwhile, Delhi FC blanked United Chirang Duar FC by 4-0 in the second semifinal match. Naga local lad Laiwang Bohman Konyak playing for Delhi FC was also in the score sheet for Delhi FC during the rout.
Up next, Nagaland Police will play against Delhi FC in the final match on April 3rd for the coveted Trophy. Nagaland captain Limakumzuk said, “After 13 years, we are going into the final of this tournament and I feel very honoured to be the team captain.” He added that the semifinal match was quite tough and challenging but his team’s hard work and efforts have finally paved the way for the team to be in the final.
The captain observed that the final match will be tricky but believed that nothing can stop them from winning the trophy if his team played with the same spirit and dedication.
Delhi FC striker Laiwang Bohman Konyak expressed his excitement to play against his state team in the final showdown. “I just hope that we get to play a wonderful match and enjoy the beautiful game, and the rest is in God’s hand” said Konyak.
The Trophy is one of the oldest and most popular football championships in North Eastern India, an annual Indian football tournament organized by Guwahati Sports Association (GSA). The winners will get Rs 2 lakh while the runners up will get richer by Rs 1 lakh.
The Final match of the 68th Bordoloi Trophy will be held at the Nehru Stadium on 3rd of April, 2022. The closing ceremony will be held from 1-00 PM and kickoff time for the final will be 2:30 PM.