Asom storms into football final

Guwahati, Feb 15 (UNI) Hosts Asom entered the final of men's football competition by convincingly defeating Bengal 3-0 in the semi-final of the 33rd National Games at Nehru stadium here today.

The home side, cheered by a strong 15000 supporters, made several forays into the rival defence in the first half on a sunny afternoon, but the Bengal defence were up to the task and both sides went for the lemon break without scoring.

After the breather, Asom found their first goal in the 54th minute when striker Mrinal Boro sent the ball into the Bengal net from a spectacular joint effort launched from the right wing.

The second goal for the home team came in the 73rd minute when a through pass from Thoiba Singh was converted by Mrinal, who once again sent the ball past Bengal custodian Swarup Das.

The third goal was scored by substitute Birjab Muchahary from a goal-mouth melee in the injury time.

Asom's hardworking skipper Sanjeeva Rongphi created many chances in the match and was instrumental in securing the lead and increasing the margin in the second half as he perfectly fed from both the left and right flanks.

Asom coach Sankar Moitra later said, ''I am not satisfied with the team performance as the boys could do much better.

Further, I could not utilise my main striker Durga Boro due to his knee injury.'' He, however, hoped it would be a much more exciting match in the final.

UNI