Big FM’s Big Futsal Fest entered its second day today with the remaining eight teams vying for places in the quarterfinals.
Matching the pace and intensity of the inaugural day’s action, there were keenly contested games between the government and corporate offices.
In the first game, Assembly FC withstood a spirited fight back from MBDA to win 4-2, with Robert Nongrum netting a brace for Assembly FC. MIMHANS surprised everyone with an easy 6-2 victory over CNRD Sohïong with two of their players, Brandon Dkhar and Sukjingmut Dhar, helping themselves to hat-tricks.
The tournament also witnessed its first penalty shootout in the match between Water Resources and HQ Defenders when it ended 2-2 at full time. Water Resources held their nerve to win 3-2 on penalties.
However, the best was saved for last when Fivestar Shylla of the Meghalaya Secretariat Home Guards lit up a damp afternoon with a remarkable feat of individual brilliance by scoring eight goals in a single match to help his team thump KHADC 10-2.
The quarterfinal line-up is now complete and promises some intriguing contests. ITI Shillong will take on the fancied AG Meghalaya Futsal Team while PHE face MeECL. In the other two quarterfinal matches, MIMHANS will face Assembly FC while Water Resources will have to take on the Home Guards.
The quarterfinals will be played tomorrow at Langkyrding from 12pm onwards.