Birsa Munda win Sahare Memorial football tournament title

NAGPUR: Kandri mine-based Birsa Munda Club drubbed Navrang Krida Mandal, Ajni 3-1 to claim the title of the Sahare Memorial Football (barefooted) tournament, jointly organized by Aai Kusum Sahare Foundation and Nagpur Municipal Corporation, at Reshimbagh ground here on Sunday.
Despite trying hard by both the teams, there was no goal in the first half an hour.Finally, the deadlock was broken in the 35th minute when Birsa Munda opened their account through Sunny Kathoute.
Navrang Krida Mandal fought back and levelled the scores 1-1 in the 47th minute when Rahul Mundri found the mark after a brilliant counter attack.
After the change of ends, the battle became intense as both the sides went all out for the lead. Navrang forwards made some good moves to level the score but Birsa Munda defenders thwarted their attempts. In the 69th minute, Rahul Kathoute surprised Navrang custodian to help Birsa Munda regain the lead. Shivkumar Naitam added another goal in the 80th minute to seal the fate of Navrang.
Earlier in the third place play-off, Sonu FC edged past Gouhar Club 4-2 via tie-breaker. The score was 1-1 during the regulation period. In the 24th minute, Shaju Khan scored the goal for Gouhar Club, while five minutes later, Shafique-ul-Rehman restored the parity for Sonu FC.
In the penalty shootout, Aman Ullah, Irshad Ahmad, Shakil Ansari and Shahid Anwar converted their penalties for Sonu FC. For Gouhar Club, only Aman Ansair and Mohammad Wasim got success from the spot.
Deputy mayor Deepraj Pardikar, former mayor Pravin Datke, NMC sports committee chairman and founder of Aai Kusum Sahare Foundation Nagesh Sahare, corporator Pramod Tabhane, Hanuman Nagar zone chairman Bhagwan Mendhe, corporator Usha Pailot, Piyush Patil and Pinto Zalke were present during the prize distribution function.