CHANDIGARH: Ebullient striker Gagandeep performed three-in-a-row feat as Chandigarh Football Academy handed out a 6-1 drubbing to Orissa Football Association in their opening Pool A fixture of the 5th Administrator's Challenge Cup All-India Football Tournament for Under-17 at the Sector 17 Football Stadium here Saturday.
 

Gagandeep started chasing his hat-trick in the 42nd minute and completed it in the 77th minute. His second goal came in the 65th minute. Abrahim (3rd minute), Pankaj Negi (12th) and Shenaaj (81st) added one goal each in the winners' kitty. The face-saving goal for Orissa was scored by  Mahendra Nayak in the 62nd minute.

State-run Chandigarh Football Academy could have won still by a very handsome margin had they capitalised on all their chances that came their way. Despite rout, Orissa goalkeeper lanky S K Kamnuddin gave an impressive display and made a dozen saves with good anticipation and alertness.

The CFA lads were in full cry from the beginning. Their strikers Pankaj Negi, Gagandeep and Abrahim formed a deadly trio. With proper coordination and accurate passes, they repeatedly pierced the Orissa defence.

Playing at their home ground, the CFA forged ahead in the third minute through Abrahim off a fine cross sent by Pankaj Negi from the right flank. Down by one goal, the Orissa players initiated some good moves but a solid CFA defence thwarted their moves.
Pankaj Negi scored second goal for CFA in the 12th minute medio Shenaaj sent a through pass towards the right flank. Rajandeep rolled the ball inside the penalty area where Pankaj Negi scored with ease.

Meanwhile referee Arun cautioned and shown yellow card in the 22nd minute for coming out of the field without his permission.

On crossing over, the CFA players dominated and virtually fought the battle inside the Orissa territory. Gagandeep made it 3-0 in the 42nd minute.  Orissa got their lone goal in the 62nd minute. Sudam Soren dribbled past left wingback of CFA and sent a floated ball inside the penalty area where Mahindra Nayak made no mistake.

CFA forward Gagandeep then scored in the 65th and 77th minute to complete his hat-trick. CFA were awarded a penlaty as Pankaj Negi was tripped by Orissa defender Santosh Singh. Shenaaj  converted it to round off the winners' tally.

Earlier, Punjab Governor and Administrator Chandigarh Gen SF Rodrigues inaugurated the tournament which will continue till September 9.

Andhra Pradesh Football Association and Jammu and Kashmir Football Associations are doubtful starters as the organisers, the Chandigarh Sports Department, have not recently received any communication.

Tomorrow's fixtures: Group A: Orissa vs Delhi FA (4 p.m), Rajasthan FA vs APFA ( 8 a.m.). Group B: Punjab Football Association vs  DAI Team (10 a.m)  at Sector 42 Stadium.

Pool C: New Public School FA Chandigarh vs Mizoram FA (3 p.m.). Group D: Sanjay Public School Academy Chandigarh vs Services Sports Control Board (5 p.m.) at Sector 17 Football Stadium.