Indian Football : United Sikkim 2 - 1 Southern Samity

Bhaichung inspires United to hard-earned win

Bhaichung Bhutia inspires a whole generation of young footballers

Braving the torrential downpour, chants of “Bhaichung-Bhaichung,” filled up the Polo ground more than an hour prior to the kick-off. It’s not everyday you get to watch the star in action and the innocent faces of Sambhota Tibetian School waited with baited breath for their hero to take the field.

Bhaichung’s presence for entire 90 minutes inspired United Sikkim to a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Southern Samity in the 2^nd Division League in Shillong. The win takes United to 9 points from 5 matches while Southern stay on one point from 4 matches

Much against the run of play, Edmilson put Sotuhern ahead in the 14^th minute – curling in a free-kick past a diving goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar.

John Menyongar, who impressed with his deft touches, set the equaliser for United. In the 40^thminute, he initiated a one-two with Man-of-the-Match Beikhokhei, and the latter placed it past rival goalkeeper Binod Malik.

The winner came as late as the 85^th minute. Rennedy Singh who came in as a substitute in the 75^th minute found Tenzing in the box and John tapped in Tenzing’s pass to seal the fate of the match.

Despite the result, United coach Stanley Rozario wasn’t willing to foresee anything. “We have two matches left – against Ar-Hima and Vasco and we need to win both to keep alive our chances of qualifying,” he told aiff.com

Bhaichung started as a stopper partnering NS Manju in the defence. His commitment was never in doubt as he never shied away from stabbing tackles even as his interception drew praise.

Much in desperation to find the winner, Rozario moved him upfront in his normal position (as a striker) in the 70^th minute. And almost immediately, his left-footer off a half-turn missed the mark narrowly.

United midfielder Lalrinfela along with John and Quinton Jacobs posed a constant threat to the Southern defence. But the central defence of Madhav Das and Anandvasan held fort.

Southern relied heavily on Edmilson. All balls were directed to him, making Manju’s job that shade easier. Besides his goal, Edmilson also hit the post with a corner kick.

At the end, Sambhota School’s wards posed with their hero for a family photograph. All the tiny tots demanded from their hero was a win in the next match too.

United next play Ar-Hima on 11^th while Southern take on Vasco on 10^th.

Sikkim United team

PRESS RELEASE