Tura, Aug 21: Kalkame Football Club of Tura were crowned champions of the State Level SPANDAN League Football Tournament (Senior Category) after edging Simsanggre United FC of Williamnagar 7-6 in a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout at the Don Bosco Higher Secondary School field here on Thursday.
The final ended 1-1 after regulation time before Kalkame prevailed in the 10th round of the shootout to lift the championship trophy in a thrilling conclusion to the four-day tournament.
Heavy rain earlier in the day left parts of the pitch muddy and waterlogged. Although the rain had stopped by kick-off, the slippery surface made short passing difficult, with both teams relying heavily on long balls to move the ball forward.
Simsanggre United made the stronger start and took the lead in the 13th minute through Chijang Sangma, who capitalised on an early opportunity to put his side 1-0 ahead.
Kalkame responded with a series of attacking moves but were unable to find the equaliser before half-time, allowing Simsanggre to take their narrow advantage into the break.
The Tura-based side continued to press after the restart and were eventually rewarded in the 89th minute when Matsrang N. Sangma found the back of the net to make it 1-1.
Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle, sending the contest into a penalty shootout.
Both teams converted three of their opening five penalties to leave the shootout tied at 3-3 and force the final into sudden death.
The decisive moment arrived in the 10th round. After Simsanggre United missed their attempt, Kalkame FC’s goalkeeper stepped up and calmly converted the winning penalty to seal a 7-6 victory.
The final also saw tempers flare, with Kalkame team manager Sengmandera B. Marak and Simsanggre United’s Akim Sangma shown red cards following an on-field scuffle.
Simsanggre players Niksangsil M. Sangma, Walchang Sangma and Jahit Marak received yellow cards, while Kalkame’s Chingstone Ch. Marak was also cautioned.
Organised by FTR HQ BSF Meghalaya under the Sports Authority of India and Khelo India initiatives, the tournament featured eight regional clubs from different districts.
The competition was held as part of the BSF’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with the initiative aimed at promoting youth empowerment, discipline and community harmony through sport.
The closing ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Brening A. Sangma, Minister for Border Areas Development, Excise and Home (Civil Defence & Home Guards), along with Lalit Mohan Sharma, DIG, SHQ Tura, and senior BSF officials.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Sangma praised both teams for their competitive spirit and sportsmanship despite the challenging playing conditions. He also commended FTR HQ BSF Meghalaya for organising the tournament and highlighted the role of the SPANDAN initiative in promoting sports, peace and development.
In the prize distribution, Kalkame FC received the winners’ trophy, while Simsanggre United FC were presented with the runners-up trophy. Baghmara FC finished third.
Kalkame’s Nikku Ch. Marak was named the tournament’s Best Player for his impressive performance.
