12th Manipur State League : NACO, TRAU complete league round on winning notes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 24 2018:
NACO, Nambul Mapal and TRAU, Kwakeithel emerged victorious at Mapal Kangjeibung in their last league stage matches of the 12th Manipur State League being organised under the aegis of All Manipur Football Association.
With the end of the league round, top 8 teams are gearing up for the double elimination round.
NACO sealed a 2-1 win over NISA, Thangmeiband in the 63rd league match of the tournament but could not make it upto the double elimination round as they finished 10th in the league stage with 9 points from 2 wins and 3 draws, a place below NISA.
TRAU on the other hand thumped YPHU by 2-0 goals to earn the fifth place and sent the Lalambung side to the basement (11th place) of the league table.
The first match of the day saw NACO and NISA play on the same pace trying hard to take control over one another but both sides failed to take the lead before the break.
After the restart, NISA were first to break the silence as Shankar found the back of the net in the 55th minute but NACO's N Tomnao drew level in the 78th minute with a fine strike to ease the pressure.
The game almost in a 1-1 draw but an additional time goal by TM Rohit gave NACO all the three points.
S Rahul of NACO was yellow carded by the referee in the 13th minute of the match.
The 66th league match saw TRAU dominate both possession and attack against the lowly YPHU and eventually came out on top with 2-0 margin.
TRAU led the first half 1-0 with a fine strike from Princewill Emeka in the 32nd minute before Peter Seminthang wrapped up the game 2-0 with an 89th minute strike.
M Jimmy of YPHU was yellow carded by the referee in the 86th minute of the match.
The double elimination round will begin on December 27 .