GUWAHATI, Sept 24 - Riding on a superb 26th minute goal by Nigerian striker Charles Egware, Navajyoti Club lifted the RG Baruah Trophy emerging champions in the Guwahati Sports Association�s (GSA) Super Division Football League.
In a keenly contested encounter at the Nehru Stadium here today, Navajyoti edged past FC Green Valley by the barest of margin. It was a deserving crown for the Navajyoti team as they maintained consistency throughout the championship winning six and drawing three out of 10 matches (21 points).
Navajyoti was in a must win situation today while a draw would have earned Green Valley the title.
The winning team today distinctly enjoyed territorial supremacy and created more openings in comparison to the opponent. Charles, along with his Nigerian compatriot Timothy Onyenka built up a deadly combination at the Green Valley striking zone and kept the opponent defenders on their toes.
Timothy set the ball for Charles who dodged past the Green Valley goalkeeper Samarsing Brahma and gently put it in goal at the far post.
Navajyoti could have enhanced the margin in the 52nd minute but Timothy hit the upright twice from a melee.
The Green Valley attackers Michael Lucky, George Prince and Gaiham Rongmei tried their heart out in search of the equaliser. But the Navajyoti custodian Mulya Rabha played a vital role under the bar and foiled all their attempts with timely anticipation. Navajyoti defenders also stood like rock and never allowed the opponent�s striking force to hit at their fort.
Navajyoti team was reduced to 10-men in the 82nd minute when defender K Lalchhanhima was given marching order for rough play.
GSA distributed the prizes of this year�s leagues-from C Division to Super Division, after the match. Bishal Sonar of Gauhati Town Club (GTC) was adjudged best player of the Super League while Michael Lucky of Green Valley got the highest scorer�s award. GTC also received the best disciplined team award.
Ranjit Daimary was picked as the best referee of the season and he was awarded the Basanta Singh Memorial Trophy.
Along with the RG Baruah Trophy, Navajyoti Club received a cash award of Rs 20,000 while Green Valley team was given Jatin Bora Trophy and a purse of Rs 10,000.
Today�s match: FCI vs Ganga SC (Relegation Round).
