Goalkeeper Dawngzela of Mizoram attempts a save at Khuman Lampak main stadium on Sunday. Telegraph picture
Imphal, Nov. 29: Manipur demolished Nagaland 7-1 to enter the final of the 2nd Dr T. Ao Memorial Football Tournament at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
Mizoram also booked a final berth, defeating Assam by a solitary goal in the second semi-final and will take on host and defending champion Manipur in the final on Tuesday.
The third place match between Assam and Nagaland will be played tomorrow.
The tournament offers Rs 7 lakh to the winner and Rs 4 lakh to the runners-up.
The third and fourth teams will get Rs 2 lakh and 1 lakh respectively.
The Player of the Tournament will be richer by Rs 40,000.
The first semi-final saw Manipur dominating the entire length of the game as Nagaland failed to shine in the absence of some of their key players who are engaged in the All India Police meet.
Manipur took the early lead in the 10th minute as L. Nabachandra scored from a free kick.
Manipur increased the tally as forward T. Lunminlal Khongsai scored after anticipating a short pass from I. Nilakumar in the goalmouth in the 32nd minute for the 2-goal lead.
L. Nabachandra slammed home his team’s third goal in the 45th minute but laxity on Manipur’s part saw Nagaland stealing a chance to shoot home their lone goal by Asian in the first half.
The hosts further damaged the opponent’s morale as I. Nilakumar, Kh. Naoton, L. Gouro and N. Jimmy found the net for the resounding victory.
Mizoram and Assam had equal opportunities in the second semi-final but pressure got the better of Assam.
Mizoram got their winning goal in the 41st minute as Tlunga sent the ball to the Assam penalty box where Malsawnzuala beat goalkeeper Daoga Brahma for the goal.
