Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15:
Eastern Sporting union, Wangkhei squandered two goal lead as NiSA, Thangmeiband came from behind to split point in a group A league tie of the 2nd Tiddim Trophy football tournament at mapal kangjeibung today.
Both the NISA equalisers came from dead ball situation with the first scored from the penalty spot and the vital leveller two minutes from time off a free kick.
On the other hand, the ESU breakthrough came as early as the ninth minute when O Pritam�s deft pass was relayed into goal by K Ashokkumar.
Pritam also set up the second goal when his free kick from the left top of the box was palmed by M Tomchou.
As the ball trickled near L Ibothoi the ESU defender�s power-packed drive eluded Tomchou again in the 14th minute.
A resurgent NISA side sprung several surprises at the ESU goal-mouth as the latter failed to maintain the first half momentum after the change of ends.
One such laxity opened up NISA�s chance to narrow the goal gap when M Subash handled S Jeeten�s shot with the resultant penalty converted by md Khan in the 71st minute.
A free kick at the right corner of the ESU penalty zone and swerved into the opponent net by Somaya enabled the Thangmeiband outfit to snatch one point from the jaws of certain defeat in the match.
The tied match today is the second for ESU in as many match compared to NISA opening its point account in two matches of the four team group.