DHARAMSHALA, June 3: Dhondenling Football Club from Kollegal became the first team out of the 28 participating teams for the 21st Gyalyum Chenmo Memorial Gold Cup football tournament to qualify for the quarter finals.
In a one sided match today, Kollegal dominated the game right from the start by scoring the first goal in the 16th minute into the game. Kollegal’s star attraction, Karma Tsewang who is known to have played in the I League for Pune FC, lived up to the expectation of the crowd by scoring two goals. Karma’s free kick was too strong for the Puruwala FC’s goalkeeper who was left looking stunned as the ball rolled past the goal line. Kollegal won the match by 5 goals to 1. The other two teams in group C, Odisha Phuntsokling and Gopalpur, will play their next games with nothing to win, only to exit the tournament.
Bir United won their second game against Bhandara Norling FC by 4 goals to 1. Bhandara’s defender Dawa was the crowd’s favourite player as he pressed into Bir United’s goal and created number of wonderful chances. In group B, Bir United can face danger of losing their hold on the seat to the next round if New York FC wins their next game against Delhi FC by a margin of more than 3 goals.
In group A, Pokhara Tashiling has a mountain to climb as they must win the next game by a margin of 4 goals against the mighty Baroda FC which, despite it’s strong defense, lost against Kerela who have quick forward players.
Gangtok FC’s win against Jampaling Pokhara yesterday by 3 goals to 2 will give them a boost to face Europe FC who won their first game through a hatrick by Tenzin Samphel. Many football lovers say that Thursday’s match between Gangtok FC and Europe FC is like the final of this tournament. Gangtok’s Tenzin Tsephel scored two goals including the winner, a wonderful curler into the net yesterday against Jampaling.
Goa FC and Doeguling FC Mungod both have one win and it all comes down to goal difference if both sides win their next games which is very likely considering the weak opponents in Shimla FC and TSAM Chennai in group F. Mungod FC have many supporters who believe that team can perform well under pressure. Mungod FC must win their game against Shimla FC by a margin of at least 3 goals to qualify for the last eight.
In group D, both Tibetan Dekyi Larsoe Bylakuppe FC and Gulathala FC have one win but Gulathala FC have more advantage in terms of goal difference.
Kyidong FC Kathmandu must win their game against Dhondupliing FC to keep Dhasa United at bay or at least draw the game and still stand a chance depending on the results of the other game in the group between Dhasa United and TCV United.
The top seven teams from each group will go to the next round, and the best second place of all the groups will join them.
