There’s no better place to settle old scores than a football field. Just ask the teams from Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh — timeless rivals from the North East. The third match on Monday between Hmar FC and Asud FC put on display just how the game provides the ultimate chance to settle old rivalries.
The Ambedkar Stadium turf was set on fire as players from the two states went head-on — literally. Despite being locked at 2-2 for 70 minutes of the fixtures, Manipur’s Hmar FC pulled off a thriller by firing two more late goals to register an all important 4-2 win in the 4th North East Tamchon Football trophy.
As soon as the referee blew the starting whistle, both teams were on their toes and penetrated each other’s territory on several occasions. Aggressive football brought out the best in the vocal crowds, who stood on their seats and cheered their respective teams.
After an intense but goalless half-hour, Hmar FC drew first blood by crafting a brilliant move through striker Lalthuoisang Pangamte, who unleashed a 30 yard curling footer into the Asud FC net.
Hmar soon delivered the second blow, moments after having changed ends. Hmar’s strikers were kept busy as a cross by Pangamte found Robert Buhril — unmarked at the right flank. He skillfully controlled the ball, before launching it to perfection, doubling the lead.
But just when it seemed like the Manipuri side was going to make a mockery of their opponents, Asud FC struck back. Finally breaking the shackles in the 65th minute after Techi Tasar directed a rolling cross into the back of the net, Asud had reduced the margin to one goal. And five minutes after their first, Asud drew level — much to the chagrin of the Manipuri spectators
But the fans were always going to have their way, even if they couldn’t physically change the course of the game. With an ever increasing decibel level from the Manipuri fans in the stands, fighting spirit was infused back into Hmar FC. And soon, every time they regained possession of the ball, the crowd used the ‘Khuong’ — Manipur’s traditional drum — to raise the ambience to fever pitch. If ever there was a stroke of genius, it must be the decision to bring on Zawlthanglien by Hmar’s coach.
Replacing Lalthuoisang in the dying minutes of the second half, Thanglien’s fresh pair of legs were too quick for the tiring Asud side.
He left his first impression on the game in the 77th minute, before taking the lead beyond reach a minute before full time. Hmar pulled off a crucial 4-2 win, while Thanglien’s re enforced his place in the starting XI.
In the matches played earlier in the day, Super Soccer Star edged over Chandel United, defeating them 2-1, while Zeliangrong FC outclassed NUB FC 2-0.
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