Stephen's and East Bengal Football Club emerge winners

Chandigarh, Dec 13 (UNI) Brilliant display by Rajib Ghorui helped East Bengal Football Club hand out a 5-0 drubbing to Eastern Sporting Union of Manipur in the Manchester United (MU) Premier Cup North East Zone Qualifying Football India Finals Tournament at the here today.

The East Bengal FC striker Rajib struck four goals. He was also on a hat-trick after booting home the first two goals in the ninth and 16th minutes. Ajay Roy found the target in the 25th minute to make it 3-0. Rajib again sprung into action to score in the 30th and 32nd minute.

In another match, St Stephen's School Football Academy, Sector 45 got the better of Youth Organisation Sports Club of Manipur by 2-0.

Stephen's Academy had to wait for 32 minutes before they opened their account in the 32nd minute through Johny Singh. Four minutes later Satpal Singh made it beyond doubt by scoring a fine goal.

Arjuna awardee and secretary of the Punjab Football Association Inder Singh inaugurated the tournament.

Eighteen teams are taking part in the North-East Zone Qualifying Tournament. Four teams would qualify for the India Finals to be played in Goa from January 15 to 20.

Salgaokar Football Club, Goa, Sporting de Goa, Cosmos Football Academy, Tamil Nadu and Mahindra United have already qualified from South-West Zone. The winners of the final will play in the South East Asia Regional finals.

UNI