Itanagar, Mar 17: The second day of the 20th Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament (SLFT) witnessed intense matches and remarkable performances across all four zones, as teams battled fiercely to secure victories and advance to the Final Round.
In Zone 1 at Namsai, Changlang and Namsai played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Dorjee Tsewang put Changlang ahead in the 44th minute before Rahul Saikia netted the equalizer for Namsai in the 50th minute.
Anjaw and Lohit also shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw, with Anjaw’s Rohanso Nyadong scoring a brace (32’, 88’), while Lohit responded through late goals from Susel Tayang (85’) and Yash Chikro (90+9’). Lower Dibang Valley registered a commanding 3-0 victory over Dibang Valley, courtesy of goals from Ajin Pegu (10’), Tudu Aprawe (46’), and Ango Meto (59’).
Zone 2 matches, held at Nari in Lower Siang, featured high-intensity clashes. West Siang edged past Shi Yomi 2-1, with an own goal by Gemar Loya (16’) and a strike from Tuter Angu (17’) securing the win.
Shi Yomi’s Lipu Doke pulled one back in the 56th minute. In a seven-goal thriller, East Siang outlasted Upper Siang 4-3, with Kamin Darin (10’), Olik Tayeng (18’, 81’), and Ronash Pait (74’) scoring for the winners. Upper Siang’s Dupak Peyang (43’), Kengge Osik (47’), and Totem Dangking (56’) fought hard but fell short.
Siang edged past Lower Siang 3-2 in another close contest, with goals from Talong Taring (12’), Obinam Komut (30’), and Jobu Mize (84’). Babom Riba (57’) and Karge Doke (83’) netted for Lower Siang.
In Zone 3 at Daporijo, Upper Subansiri, Kurung Kumey secured a narrow 1-0 win over APPSCB, benefiting from an own goal by Gichik Taming (45+4’).
Lower Subansiri clinched a 1-0 victory over Upper Subansiri, with Landi Milo scoring in the 69th minute. Kra Daadi dominated Kamle with a resounding 5-0 win, with goals from Charu Lalum (18’), Miching Naidu (61’), Tarh Abu (79’), Krish Swargiary (80’), and Tagru Tajom (90+5’).
The debut of Zone 4 at Tawang witnessed East Kameng thrashing Bichom 4-1. Gobin Kino (5’), Akash Kino (60’, 90+3’), and Beta Taki (65’) were on target for East Kameng, while Dorjee Wangchu (23’) netted the lone goal for Bichom.
Pakke Kessang defeated West Kameng 3-2, with Sancha Tayem (62’, 85’) and Daniel Tayem (30’) finding the net. West Kameng’s Dorjee Tsering scored a brace (35’, 38’), but it was not enough to salvage a result.
Capital Complex rounded off the day with a commanding 5-0 victory over Tawang, with goals from Takio Tadap (26’), Techi Rana (41’), Bakey Rumdh (60’), Nabam Peri (68’), and Omin Panging (73’).
The Arunachal Pradesh Football Association (APFA) lauded the teams for their spirited performances and expressed anticipation for more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
