Oriental Club Babupara Enters Semi-Final of 20th Thokchom Radhamani Memorial Senior Football Tournament
The sports arena of Jiribam is buzzing with excitement as the 20th Thokchom Radhamani Memorial Senior Football Tournament 2025-26 reaches its business end. In a high-stakes quarter-final knockout match held at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School playground, Oriental Club Babupara displayed remarkable skill and tenacity to secure their spot in the semi-finals by defeating L.F.C Lungreizang with a 2-1 scoreline.
The tournament, which is organized by the All Jiribam Sports Association (AJSA), has been a cornerstone of local sports since its kickoff on January 30th. Today's match was a testament to the rising standard of football in the region, featuring intense tactical play and a display of raw talent from both sides. The victory for Oriental Club Babupara marks a significant milestone in their campaign as they move one step closer to the prestigious trophy.
Match Highlights: A Tale of Two Halves
The game began with Oriental Club Babupara winning the toss and choosing their side, while L.F.C Lungreizang started the proceedings with the kick-off. The Babupara side didn't take long to assert their dominance; Ejuawangbe broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with a clinical finish, putting Oriental Club ahead. However, the lead was short-lived as L.F.C Lungreizang fought back valiantly. In the 34th minute, Gaichanglung found the back of the net, bringing the score to a 1-1 draw just before the half-time whistle.
The second half saw a more aggressive Oriental Club. The decisive moment came in the 39th minute when Rakib scored a brilliant goal, reclaiming the lead for Babupara. Despite several attempts from Lungreizang to equalize in the closing stages, the Oriental Club defense held firm until the final whistle, sealing the 2-1 victory.
Officiating and Upcoming Fixtures
The match was smoothly conducted under the supervision of Centre Referee Ikbal, supported by Assistant Referees Sajamal Chowdary and Theophil. Amazing Pamei served as the reserve referee for the encounter. The discipline on the pitch reflected the professional standards maintained by the AJSA throughout this memorial tournament.
"The level of competition this year has been extraordinary," noted a local sports enthusiast at the ground. "Every team is playing with a sense of pride, and Oriental Club’s performance today shows they are serious contenders for the title."
What's Next?
With the semi-final line-ups taking shape, football fans are now looking forward to the first semi-final match. On February 9, RYC Ramgaizang will face off against Khasi Youth Club (KYC), Kamargha. The match is scheduled to kick off at 2:00 PM at the same venue. Given the momentum of the tournament, a large turnout of spectators is expected to witness the battle for a place in the grand finale.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
