Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 23:
Host team Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU), Tiddim Road made an unceremonious exit from the Second edition of the Tiddim Trophy football tournament going down to Southern Sporting Union (SSU), Singjamei 2-4 in penalty shoot-out in the second semi final at Mapal Kangjeibung today.
The tie-breaker had to be applied after the normal period ended at one goal apiece.
The Singjamei side will now clash against reigning champions NEROCA, Laipham Khunou in the summit clash slated for March 25 at 1.30 pm at Khuman lampak main stadium.
Taking the first shy at the TRAU goal guarded by Y Deepak Singh during the tie-breaker, SSU�s Banny Chiru made no mistake from the spot in contrast to N Indrakumar of the opponent side muffing the opportunity to restore parity as his shot was saved by Narakanta lunging to his left.
Gaichungam Kamson increased the lead to 3-1 converting the second attempt as K Duidang narrowed the rival lead beating Narakanta off the second TRAU attempt.
While Kanta emulated his two team-mates in beating Deepak, SSU again felled behind when O Sanatomba hit the crosspiece as SSU�s chance to fold up the tie went waste when Charan Rai shot straight into the waiting hands of TRAU custodian.
Even though L Bisheshwor provided a semblance of hope to the host side converting TRAU�s fourth attempt from the marked zone, Priyokumar ensured SSU�s final place beating Deepak for the fourth time in the shoot-out.
Earlier, the regular period show-off in the vital second semi final began with TRAU drawing first blood in the 37th minute through R Vashum fed by indrakumar whose solo run from near the centre line managed to wrong foot the rival custodian and left another defender in the lurch before crossing to Vashum for the strike at goal.
In between the SSU equaliser from a penalty award, Banny Chiru and SSU�s T Shyamo were booked for unsporting conducts in the 42nd and 51st minutes of the match respectively.
SSU forced the tie-breaker in the 71st minute when Banny beat Deepak from the spot kick when the referee pointed to the dreaded spot as TRAU defender Shyamsunder had handled the ball inside the danger zone while trying to ward off an rival raid.
7 injured seriously, situation tense in Zunheboto district