The football matches of the ongoing Peren District Football League on Friday at Turf ground, Jalukie Town produced thrilling action as teams battled for crucial points in their respective encounters.
In the first match, the bottom-placed sides Kingdom Stewards and Football Plus Academy clashed with determination to climb out of the lower ranks. The game began with intensity, and on 17 minutes striker Kaisikam of Kingdom Stewards capitalized on a goalkeeper’s error to slot home the opener. Their captain, D. Haidingbe, extended the lead on 35 minutes with a composed finish, before doubling his tally in the second half with a spectacular half-volley from outside the box in the 57th minute. The contest was sealed when Kilamding broke the offside trap and calmly scored in the 75th minute, ensuring a comprehensive 4-0 victory. Kilamding and Haominlal were cautioned with yellow cards for misconduct during the match.
D. Haidingbe of Kingdom stewards was awarded Man of the Match.
The second encounter between Lekie Mtei FC and Poilwa FC was a fiery contest with both sides eyeing the top of the table. The match saw a controversial moment when Poilwa FC was awarded a penalty, which their captain Ratobe converted in the 38th minute. Poilwa doubled their advantage through Ngamminlun’s powerful strike in the 68th minute.
However, Lekie Mtei FC staged a remarkable comeback. Pehiaswayibe headed in a rebound from a free-kick in the 77th minute, followed by Chidiheu’s equalizer just two minutes later.
The dramatic turnaround was completed in stoppage time when Chidiheu’s marauding run down the flank set up captain Khiuwang, who finished clinically in the 90+3rd minute to secure a stunning 3-2 victory.
Chidiheu of Lekie Mtei FC was warded the man of the match.