post news network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 22: Sundargarh Sports Hostel emerged champions in the IXth Biju Patnaik Gold Cup football tournament defeating defending champions Orissa United FC at the Unit-VI High School Ground here Tuesday. Raman Malla and Bijay Oram got the goals for the winning team in an exciting encounter.
It was a tie where both sides played attacking soccer. However, Sundargarh utilised the chances that came their way to emerge victorious. The ultimate winners started on an enterprising note when Raman scored in the fourth minute of the match after receiving a pass from the midfield.
After conceding the goal, players of Orissa United played with a lot of zest to restore parity. They got a couple of chances, but lack of proper direction prevented them from restoring parity.
Like they did in the first session, Sundargarh again struck early into the second session, nine minutes after the interval. Bijay scored taking advantage of a defensive lapse on the part of the United players who failed to clear a goal-bound ball. An unmarked Bijay was near at home to strike the second goal.
After the second goal also, United players had a couple of chances to break through. However, stout defending by the Sundargarh players prevented United players from scoring.
Food supplies and consumer welfare minister Sanjay Das Barma was present as the chief guest to distribute the prizes. MLAs Bijay Mohanty and Duguni Kanhar also graced the occasion.
