Nagaland goalkeeper Vekuto Puro attempts a save in the match against Assam at Khuman Lampak main stadium on Monday.
Imphal, Nov 30 : Assam prevailed over Nagaland by 3-1 goals to bag the third place in the 2nd Dr T. Ao Memorial Football Tournament at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
Assam went home richer by Rs 2 lakh while Nagaland got Rs 1 lakh as the fourth team in the tournament, sponsored by the DoNER ministry.
Nagaland got off to a flying start in the seventh minute as Velakho Rhakho provided his team the lead from a free kick goal.
The Assam team proved its mettle in the second half with a more energetic approach and fetched the equaliser in the 54th minute as Raju Konwar headed home off a flag kick by Chayaram Basumatary.
It was Assam’s turn to rule the proceedings with renewed vigour and soon they consolidated the score with a second goal.
Khirod Das made a spirited dash and pounded home a grounder in the 77th minute for the lead.
Pushed to the backfoot, the Nagaland team found it hard to contain their opponents.
Assam’s frequent inroads paid rich dividends in the 89th minute as Sibra Narzary pushed the ball to the Nagaland goalmouth and found Khirod Das at the far end post to slam home the winning goal.
Nagaland players Michael Dul, Benathun Kikon and Assam player Raju Konwar earned yellow cards from referee L. Ajitkumar Meitei.
The final match between defending champions Manipur and Mizoram will be played at 1pm tomorrow.