Balbir Singh
CHANDIGARH, DEC 13
Local St Stephen's School Football Academy-45 and East Bengal Football Club began their campaign with a bang by scoring comfortable victories over their respective rivals on the opening day of the Manchester United Premier Cup India Finals North East Zone Qualifying Football Tournament at the Sector 17 Football Stadium here today.
St Stephen's School Football Academy, Sector 45 and Youth Organisation Sports Club of Manipur were involved in tough battle for ball possession. However, Stephen's Academy opened their account in the 32nd minute through speedy Johny Singh. Maintaining their pressure, Stephen's doubled the margin when Satpal Singh found the Youth Organisation Sports Club defence napping in the 35th minute.
In another fixutre East Bengal Football Club outplayed Eastern Sporting Union of Manipur in all departments of the game. Spearheaded by fleet-footed strike Rajib Ghouri, East Bengal Football Club registered an impressive 5-0 triumph.
Rajib Ghouri tormented the Manipur team defenders with his speed and dribbling ability. Rajib contributed a lion's share in his team's fluent triumph. He netted four goals, no hat-trick. Displaying his scoring ability, Rajib struck in the 9th, 16th, 30th and 32nd minutes. In between Ajay Roy pumped in one goal in the 25th minute.
Arjuna awardee and hony secretary of the Punjab Football Association Inder Singh inaugurated the tournament in which 18 teams have staked their claims for berth for the final round. Also present on the occasion was Head of Sports Marketing Nike Jatin Pranjpe.
Four teams would qualify for the India Finals to be conducted in Goa from January 15 to 20 next year.
Salgaokar Football Club, Goa, Sporting de Goa, Cosmos Football Academy of Tamil Nadu and Mahindra United of Mumbai have already qualified from South-West Zone. The winners of the final will play in the South East Asia Regional finals.
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