Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 06:
In a repeat of 1978 feat, Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) overcame a spirited Eastern Sporting Union (ESU), Wangkhei by 2-1 in the opening match of the final round of the prestigious 48th Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial All India Invitation Football Tournament 2004 being held Mapal Kangjeibung here.
N Mangi Singh, Minister Commerce and Industries and E Santoshkumar, president AMFA graced the opening function as chief guest and president respectively.
As mark of respect to Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior who died after scoring a goal for Dempo in the final of Federation Cup yesterday at Bangalore, players and spectators observed a one minute silence before the kick-off.
After remaining goalless in the first half, ESU got the first chance to break the stalemate in the opening minute of the second half when the referee awarded a penalty kick in favour of ESU when TRAU defender N Shyamananda handled the ball in an attempt to collect the ball inside the penalty box.
However ESU playmaker S Rohendro attempt at the goal went high above the bar and wasted the chance to open their account.
The relentless effort of TRAU to push ahead finally paid off in the 51st minute when substitute O Sanatomba guided the ball into the net which caught the goalkeeper on wrong foot through a.direct kick awarded after ESU left back L Ibothoi obstructed TRAU right half K Premjit near the penalty box.
TRAU lead was shortlived after ESU levelled the score six minute later due to the folly of TRAU defenders when M Subash solo run to the goal was mishandled by TRAU defenders and the latter right half K Ajitkumar guided the ball into the net much to the delight of his teammates.
Three minute later TRAU went ahead and sealed the fate of ESU after the referee awarded a penalty kick when the former midfielder Mathew Maring handled the ball in an attempt to collect the ball from a corner kick using his chest inside the penalty box.
T Shyamo easily netted the ball and went ahead 2-1 and stormed into the quarter final of the final round.