United Sikkim through to semis as ASEB crash out

Nema Lepcha scored the game’s only goal…

United Sikkim FC beat Bangladesh’s Bongobir Ogrogami in a Bordoloi Trophy match played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Guwahati yesterday. Nema Lepcha scored the all important goal for Sikkim in the 3rd minute of the match. It was a perfect move from the left flank by Sonam Tshering, who made a fine ground pass to Nema. The Bangla defenders could not create much trouble as the scorer placed the ball into the net gently. Throughout the first session the Sikkim lads continued to create havoc in the opposition defense but could not score any further goals. Bongobir striker Forhad Hussain also made a valiant effort in the 20th minute of the game and came close to scoring an equaliser but missed the target from close range. The second half however was fruitless for both the teams as Sikkim seemed busy defending their lead and although Bongobir created some good moves they wasted the opportunities due to poor finishing. Finally, Bongobir Ogrogami an outfit from Syleth, Bangladesh ended their journey without scoring a single goal throughout the tournament. Before this match, ASEB, the defending champions were also in contention for a berth in the last four along with United Sikkim, a possible draw in the match could have moved forward, but with better goal difference Sikkim United made it through as they also had same points from equal number of games.