Guwahati, March 31 (MTNews): Luck favored Nagaland Police Football team as they entered the semifinal round of the ongoing 68th edition of Bharat Ratna Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy football tournament by drawing lots on Thursday morning at GSA office.
Drawing lots was initiated as per the rules and guidelines of the tournament as Nagaland and CISF were on level with same points and same goal difference at top spot for Group C. The trophy is an annual Indian football tournament organized by Guwahati Sports Association (GSA).
Earlier, on Wednesday evening, Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) defeated Oil India FC by 2-1 in their last group league match securing equal points with Nagaland.
In the league group matches, Nagaland drew with CISF by 2-2, defeated Oil India by 2-1 and beat Bodousa Sports Club by 5-0, while CISF drew with Nagaland 2-2, scored 5-0 against Bodousa Sports Club and defeated Oil India FC by 2-1.
According to the bylaws of the tournament, the top teams of each group will qualify for the Semi Finals to be played cross wise on knock-out basis. In case of parity of points on conclusion of league stage, the winner / runners-up will be decided on goal difference, which will mean the differences of goals scored for and against by a particular team in the league stage. If the tie still remains, the team having scored more goals will be declared to be the winner and if the tie is still unbroken, it will be decided by lot.
Up next, Nagaland Police will play against India Club Silchar in the first semifinal match and Delhi FC will play against United Chirang Duar FC in second semifinal match from 2:30 pm onwards simultaneously at Nehru Stadium. Bordoloi Trophy is one of the oldest and most popular football championships in North eastern India. The winners will get Rs 2 lakh while the runners up will get richer by Rs 1 lakh.
Nagaland Police team is led by coach Lhoulavolie, Asst coach – Hainsiugongbe and R. Dibambo as manager. The players are Neithovilie Chalieu, Nighatu T Sumi, Sanyem Konyak, Meribui, Paul, Menoneikho Nakhro, Khwetelhi Thopi, Rhitsho Mero, Veseto Zhuzhou, Lipoksashi Jamir, Bendangmeren, Kezhose, Imliakum, Seisanglen, Amun Nungsaham, Limakumzuk, Y Lemtong and Digungpeung.