31st Federation Cup Soccer Tournament in Guwahati

GUWAHATI, Jan 1: The turn out in the two semifinals of the 31st Federation Cup Soccer Tournament has brought smile in the face of the organizers. There might be more good news for them as a good turn out is expected in the final also which would be held between East Bengal and Shillong Lajong FC on January 3. The increasing sale of tickets means boost for the Shillong team as they will be banking on the crowd support to overcome the rival during the title clash.

Officially, the sale of the tickets for the final will start from tomorrow morning at the RG Baruah Sports Complex. However, many ticket seekers were found today in the same venue who wanted to know the timing of the sale of the tickets. It may be mentioned here that the first semifinal between Shillong Lajong FC and Churchill Brothers were witnessed by around 8,000 spectators while the number of spectators were raised to 12,000 in the second semifinal which was held between two arch rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal on Thursday.

Like semifinal, a good number of crowd are expected from Shillong in the final too as their own team Lajong would be one of opponent in the match. Munin Nobis, the secretary of the Gauhati Sports Association, on whom Assam Football Association has entrusted the responsibility to sale the ticket, talking to The Sentinel said that Shillong Lajong FC had already booked 1,200 tickets of the final of which 1,000 are general tickets.

Though Shillong Lajong will go into the final as an under dog but the team felt that they are capable to make one more upset. The goalkeeper of the team Gumphe Rime, who was the hero of the semifinal, talking to the mediapersons said that the team is playing well through out the tournament and if they were able to maintain the same performance in the final then it is not impossible to take the cup to Shillong. However, Lajong will miss a few key players including Daniel Bedemi, the top defender of the side, in the match for double booking.

Meanwhile, the secretary of the Assam Football Association Ankur Dutta today said that the winner of the 31st Federation Cup Soccer Tournament will get a cheque of Rs 12 lakh while the amount for the runners-up team would be rupees seven lakh. There would be award for the best player and most disciplined team of the meet. THE SENTINEL