Local Sports

Tanoa FC,Midfielder Javid Khan and Combine FC Striker Najim Zico in action during the 'KO' tournament. Picture credit: Omar BranineTanoa Club made up for their 2012 Knockout tournament loss to combine with a 5-3 league win Thursday at Hjorth Park in Surrey.

Combine came into the game at full strength, hoping to pull off yet another squeaker much like their 1-0 Knockout tournament win last month but fell short on expectation.

They started on a bright scoring early in the game, with a thunderous strike from midfielder Rehyan Ismail but Tanoa pivot; Dainen Sangha returned the favour with the tying goal before the breather.

The second half saw a ‘see saw’ of goals from both the sides, Combines Rehyan Ismail increased the lead with his second goal and team-mate Shahil Shanga ballooned the net for his sides 3rd goal.

Tanoa’s oppressive territorial play wilted Combine as they capitalized through the strikes of Chetan Jhooty and Rizal Janiff.

Janiff’s pair towards the end gave Tanoa a comfortable 5-3 win.

Tanoa midfielder Javed Khan who was nursing a hamstring and was left out of the starting line-up said the win over Combine was huge, especially after having lost to them in the Knockout finals.

“The 0-1 knockout loss was felt by us all. We came out strong for this game. We’re glad with the result after giving up early first half goals.

“It just couldn’t have been a better ending,” said Khan. “We’ didn’t quit”.

Tanoa, however will have to wait and see the Flagstaff and Babasiga Lions result on Sunday to determine who is crowned the 2012 league champions.

Flagstaff needs to score 8 goals to win it on goal differentials.

Khan said “It’s all hypothetical”.

Flagstaff, currently sits third on the leader’s board with 13 points.