2nd JA District Level Men Football Championship : SWSC edge past SESU
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 11 2014:
SWSC Kakching Mayai Leikai edged past SESU, Kakching by the odd goal in three in a group C match of the 2nd JA District Level Men's Football Championship today.
The match was reduced to 60 minutes as the two teams reportedly arrived late to accommodate the second match of the day.
From the first whistle, SWSC made their intentions clear and after taking control of the midfield started making inroads into the territory of the rival team repeatedly.
Mesenjer of SWSC emerged the hero of the day by scoring a brace in the first half itself in quick succession.
The first goal came in the 28th minute of the match, when Mesenjer latched onto the ball near the danger zone of SESU and after outpacing the defenders unleashed a power packed shot and sent the ball into the far right of the net to take his team ahead by one goal.
Jolted by the goal, SESU threw caution to the wind and went all out to find the equaliser.
However this proved to be their undoing as SWSC responded with a swift counter attack and moved deep down the right flank.
The ball, which was floated with precision near the top of the penalty box was neatly controlled by Mesenjer and after side stepping a couple of defenders slotted the ball home to score his second goal and help take his team a two goal lead.
Lemon break was taken with SWSC leading by two goals to nil.
After the break, SWSC withdrew into a shell and preferred to play it safe.
On the other hand, SESU, desperate to come back into the match put more men in the attack and repeatedly raided the citadels of SWSC .
The defence line of SWSC however stood firm and managed to hold their ground.
The relentless attack by SESU finally paid off in the 62nd minute when Raj found the target from close range.
The two minutes were the extension time for loss of time during the regulation time of 60 minutes.
In the second match of the day, IYA Wairi outplayed KPSC Kakching Khungai by a margin of two goals to nil.
The first goal came as early as the 3rd minute of the first half, when Naobi found himself with only the custodian to beat.
Naobi did not fail and deftly placed the ball well past the reach of the custodian to put his team ahead.
Not resting on the one goal lead, IYA Wairi kept up the attack and Hemba was well placed to take a shot in the 30th minute which found the target.
The second half saw a listless game with neither team able to break through, though KPSC launched a couple of attacks but failed to get a good look at the goal of the rival team.
In the quarter finals slated tomorrow, FSC Kakching Chummang will take on TUC Thongjao, while IYA Wairi will meet JA Kakching.