Five-star Shillong Lajong shatter Aakraman’s Governor’s Gold Cup dream

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: Sikkim’s wait for another Governor’s Gold Cup title continues after local side Sikkim Aakraman SC went down 5-2 to Shillong Lajong in the final at Paljor Stadium on Friday evening.

Aakraman had the opportunity to become only the second home team to lift the prestigious trophy after an impressive run to the final, which included victories over reputed sides such as East Bengal FC’s reserve team and Gokulam FC. However, they came up against a Shillong Lajong side at the top of its game in the final.

The visitors came out firing from the start, scoring twice within the opening 15 minutes. Both goals came through headers by captain Kenstar and striker Sana.

Kenstar opened the scoring with a well-placed header from a corner, while Sana doubled the lead by heading home a delightful cross past Aakraman goalkeeper Nimdup Lepcha.

Rattled by the early setbacks, Aakraman tried to fight their way back into the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Lajong maintained a high press and continued to threaten with their attacking moves.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Lajong scoring their third goal early to take a commanding 3-0 lead. Lian capitalised on a defensive error and slammed the ball past Nimdup Lepcha.

Aakraman found a glimmer of hope when Boxer Pradhan found the net to reduce the deficit. However, their fightback suffered another setback when substitute striker Tnemiki scored Lajong’s fourth goal in the final 10 minutes.

Refusing to give up, Aakraman pulled another goal back through substitute Kunjaman Thapa to make it 4-2. But as the home side pushed forward in search of more goals, they were caught on the counterattack in stoppage time. Tnemiki completed his brace to seal a convincing 5-2 victory for Shillong Lajong.

With the win, Shillong Lajong became the second team from the Northeast to lift the Governor’s Gold Cup.

Aakraman had already made history by becoming only the third home team to reach the final of the prestigious tournament, organised annually by the Sikkim Football Association since 1979. Gangtok Municipal Corporation XI won the inaugural edition, and no Sikkim team has lifted the coveted trophy since.

Shillong Lajong captain Kenstar was adjudged the Man of the Tournament, while goalkeeper Ranjit received the Golden Glove award.

Governor Om Prakash Mathur presented the trophies to the winners and runners-up in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque, ministers, SFA president Menla Ethenpa, SFA executives and other dignitaries.