United Sikkim and ASEB split the points after entertaining draw

Sonam Tsheriang and Apurba Phukan got on the scoresheet...

United Sikkim drew 1-1 with Assam State Electricity Board in a Group B match of the Bordoloi Trophy played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Guwahati yesterday. ASEB dominated the first 30 minutes of the first half with as many as seven opportunities of goal were missed by their strikers. Especially Apurba Phukan, Jwanbla and Imanuel Hmar missed some golden chances despite coming close to scoring. The Sikkim team got into their groove after the break and in the 59th minute of the game the visitors took the lead with Sonam Tsheriang scoring with a perfect header off a cross from Lendip Bhutia. The home team hit back in the 90th minute. Striker Sanjoy Boro's powerful strike from the right flank rebounded off goalkeeper Bipin Rai's gloves, which Jwanbla pushed into to the net to give his team the important equalizer. It was a close and ill-tempered match in which both the teams used excessive physical play several times resulting in three red cards. Rahul Das of ASEB as well as OT Lepcha and Ansari of Sikkim were sent off in an action packed second half. Both the teams now lead Group B with another two matches to play while the other two teams are still waiting to open their campaigns. Photo Credit : GoalNepal.com