KSC, CFA reach Manoranjan football semis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 20 2022:
KSC and Classic FA were the first two teams to make it to the semifinals pf the 12th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial Football Tournament after their quarterfinal triumphs on Thursday.
KSC pulled off a 2-1 win over NACO for their place in the last four.
After a barren first half riddled with missed chances, the game burst into life in the 65th minute when Lenminlun Doungel struck the ball beyond the diving reach of NACO's goalkeeper.
But KSC's celebrations were short-lived as NACO clawed their way back into the game with a 74th-minute leveller courtesy of Y Sibachandra.
In the ensuing contest, the Kangpokpi side turned up the intensity and NACO's defence wilted under pressure that proved costly for the latter.
In a goalmouth tussle, Ginkholen found a space to fire home a goal in the 80th minute that eventually made the difference as KSC stormed their way into the last four.
CFA, meanwhile, earned their place in the semifinals after beating NEROCA FC in a thrilling penalty shootout.
The squads remained tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time and the game went into spot kicks where CFA held their nerves to snatch a 6-5 victory over NEROCA.
During the match, NEROCA took the lead in the 20th minute through Chunsaba Barian and kept their 1-0 advantage intact through the first half.
CFA drew level seven minutes into the second period with Serto Wosneilen on target.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the remaining minutes of contest, resulting in the penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Serto Wosneilen, Tongminsei Kipgen, Dettol M, Gogocha, Joel Haokip, Kh Lamnganba and Robert T converted their attempts to give CFA an exhilarating 6-5 win en route to the last four.
In the next quarterfinal fixtures on Friday, SU will be up against UKB while ESU clash with YUFC.