The second edition of Langtang North Amateur Football Association (LAFA) got off to a scintillating start in a packed full stadium as Pil Gani Ward scored two goals within three minutes against Kwanpe Ward to make a statement of intent amidst cheers and jubilation from the fans who seemed eager to have the competition started.
In what could be described as a broken jinx having not won a game at the Langtang Mini Stadium for almost 10 years now, Pil Gani Ward made clear their intent from the blast of the referee’s whistle as they keep knocking on Kwanpe Ward’s goal
Kwanpe Ward, one of the traditional soccer power houses in Langtang North however couldn’t find answers to the questions Pil Gani Ward were asking on their goal as the conceded two quick goals within three minutes
Ibrahim Musa, Jersey Number 18 broke the deadlock in the 25th minute to give Pil Gani the lead with legendary Benedict Yerima with Jersey Number 29 scoring the second goal in the 28th minute to give his side a two-goal cushion
Kwanpe Ward emerged from the second half with tactical and technical changes made by the coaching crew but the Pil Gani Ward defence line marshalled every arsenal of their opponents to break the record of not winning at the stadium in almost a decade
According to Coach Mustapha Bashir Bala, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, hostilities will resume on Tuesday when Pajat Ward will square up against Kuffen C Ward in a local derby that promises to display the best of soccer artistry.
Alh Bash said the competition has 14 Wards out of the 18 contesting for glory. He further added that the 14 teams have been grouped into two with top four placed teams advancing to the Quarter Finals. He assured the teams of equal playing ground and warned that no any act of indiscipline would be condoned by the Organizing Committee
LAFA Chairman, Amb Miri Timnan Nyantau fondly called M.T.N said LAFA Cup is the association’s yearly competition that sadly went comatose for almost 20 years before the emergence of their current Executive Board which resuscitated it last year.
He added that the second edition will, besides entertaining fans serve as a platform for Langtang United Coaching Crew to select players for Governor’s Cup
MTN who doubles as the National President of Tarok Progressive Youth Association, TAPYA, the umbrella body of Tarok Youths Worldwide said the competition will serve as a unifying factor, help reduce crimes and unearth talents for greater stage. He called on spirited individuals to partner with the Football Association by supporting their various Ward teams
