Bhaichung XI and Chirag United play a 2-2 draw

Gangtok, Mar 9 (UNI) Kolkata football club Chirag United managed to hold a formidable Bhaichung XI that had five Indian football team regulars, including the Indian team captain to a 2-2 draw today in an exhibition match here at the Paljor Stadium.

Indian player of the year Sunil Chettri headed a brace for his captain's team while T S Wroben and S Oraom netted each for the Kolkata side in a thrilling encounter played before a handsome turnout.

The only disappointment for the home fans was that their hero Bhaichung Bhutia could not put his name on the score sheet and played only for the first 45 minutes.

Sikkim Football Association (SFA) had organised today's exhibition match to honour Bhaichung for being conferred the Padma Shree award.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling presented a SFA citation letter to Bhaichung during a felicitation programme at the interval.

Earlier, Bhaichung's men ran amok in the Chirag United's defence with five of his Nehru Cup winning members given a regal display.

JCT striker Sunil Chettri found the net as early as in the 7th minute. He headed another goal in the dying minutes of the first half.

However, Bhaichung's withdrawal after the lemon break took some sting out of his team's attack giving a window to the Chirag United players.

T S Wrobeh booted home a penalty and S.Oraom slammed a rasping drive into the far left side of the net in the dying minutes of the game making its honours even for both the teams.

The Indian football team captain expressed his happiness to be playing in his home ground after a long gap.

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