21st Winners' Cup MAC down ZFC; advance to next round
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2016:
Muvanlai Athletics Club (MAC), Sadar Hills came from behind to notch up a thrilling 5-3 victory over Zeliangrong FC (ZFC), Tamenglong today in the ongoing Thangjam Birachandra-Maipakpi Memorial 21st Winners' Cup at the former's home ground, Artificial Turf, Khuman Lampak.
MAC had beaten ZFC in an earlier match at the same venue hosted by the Tamenglong side.
The result today propelled the Sadar Hills outfits to the second round of the tournament.
ZFC Poungekdai Kamei's hat trick went in vain as MAC capitalised on a hat trick by Michael S Chongthu to register a convincing 5-3 win.
The two sides made a cagey start trying to make foray into each others' territories.
It was Poungekdai of ZFC who drew first blood as he headed home the opener in the 12th minute through a brilliant pass from Gideon Kamei.
MAC levelled the score as Haominthang Kipgen's header off a superb pass from Lalsiemthang Fimate found the net of their opponents in the 25th minute.
The first half ended with a 1-1 tie.
Both sides bounced back with more vigour in the second half.
The first few minutes of the second half saw the collapse of the Tamenglong side's defence line as Haolengou Kipgen slotted home one through a pass from David Mangboi Lhungdim in the 47th minute.
Michael S Chongthu netted one each for the Sadar Hills side in the 54th, 77th and 90+2 minute to complete his hat trick.
At the same time, Poungekdai scored his second and third in the 89th and 90+3 minute.