Tura, Sept 11: In an action-packed quarter-final clash, Chambugong Mahari produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Nokrek Mahari 4-2 in the ongoing 6th Inter Mahari Men’s Football Tournament at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School Artificial Turf playground in Chandmary, Tura, on Friday.
Played under the tournament’s 60-minute match format, comprising two 30-minute halves, the encounter drew a massive crowd of football enthusiasts who witnessed a high-octane battle between the two sides.
Chambugong set an aggressive tone right from the opening whistle, launching series of relentless attacks. Their early pressure paid off in the 17th minute when Juel Ch Marak slotted home the opening goal to put Chambugong ahead 1-0.
Nokrek Mahari, however, responded with sharp counter-play. Holybirth N Marak brought Nokrek back into the game with an equalizer in the 20th minute. Building on that momentum, Sengrim N Marak struck just six minutes later in the 26th minute to overturn the lead, putting Nokrek ahead 2-1. By the end of the first half, Nokrek held on to their 2-1 advantage, despite Chambugong’s frequent incursions.
The second half belonged entirely to Chambugong as they launched an explosive comeback, netting three swift goals. Tremarchwal Ch Marak leveled the score at 2-2 with a strike in the 40th minute. Riding high on momentum, Vivek M Sangma found the back of the net in the 45th minute to restore Chambugong’s lead at 3-2.
Nokrek Mahari managed to create a few clear goal-scoring opportunities to claw their way back, but critical misses in front of the net proved costly. With Nokrek’s inability to capitalize, Tremarchwal Ch Marak sealed the victory by completing his brace in the 55th minute, putting the match out of reach at 4-2.
The match grew increasingly physical as tempers flared. Chambugong’s Tremarchwal Ch Marak received a cautionary yellow card in the 36th minute for showing dissent. Nokrek’s Janu D Sangma was also booked in the 44th minute, picking up a yellow card following a foul.
With this emphatic second-half performance, Chambugong Mahari secured their place in the tournament semi-finals, and their Tremarchwal Ch Marak was awarded the player of the match trophy.
