Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 19:
Nagaland Police defeated TRAU, Tiddim Road by a solitary goal to complete the semi final line-up of the 50th Sir churachand Singh KCSI CBE Memorial Football Tournament (CC Meet) while North Frontier Railway, Guwahati and TRUGPU, Nambol were locked 2-2 in an inconsequential tie at Mapal Kangjeibung today.
Needing an outright win to join ESU, NEROCA and MPSC in the last four stage, the Nagaland Police team with only a point in its kitty after the 2-2 draw with NISA, Thangmeiband had to literally fight for territorial domination and ball possession till the vital all important goal was struck by Vizoru off an Alfred pass in the 78th minute.
A swift counter-attack from the visiting side saw Alfred lob towards two teammates near the rival goal area from where Vizoru evaded opponent defenders to slam home and ensure safe passage of the Police team.
An off-colour TRAU paid heavy price for missing two golden chance before the visitors had scored when G Ninja Kabui faltered in finding the net as shots from Helun Haokip and Seikhohao Tuboi ballooned over the cross-piece in second half action.
TRAU had won 4-0 against NISA in a Group S tie and needed only a draw to seal its place in the semi finals of the prestigious tournament.
Earlier, in a Group R quarter final league match played for academic interest, NF Railway surged ahead within six minutes of play through Degen Das with the same player doubling the advantage in the 56th.Undeterred by the two goal deficit, the Nambol outfit displayed exemplary grit to first bridge the gap when a Noren essay was connected towards the Railway net by M Boinao in the 59th minute and later in the 73rd Noren himself restored parity off a Kh Naoton cross.
In the first semi final tomorrow at 1 pm, MPSC will play SSU, Singjamei.