YUFC strike late to beat YPHU in 15th MSL opener
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 20 2022:
Yarkhok United FC (YUFC) came through a tight tussle to grind out a 1-0 success against Young Physiques Union (YPHU) as the 15th Manipur State League 2022 kicked off at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong, on Saturday.
Barring the goal, the opening match was a see-saw battle throughout, with some squandered chances from both sides.
After a frustrating first period, the game gained intensity and urgency in the second half that saw waves of attacks and counter-attacks but neither side were able to make their efforts count for the major part of the second period.
The contest finally burst into life in the 87th minute when Blessing Keishing took a well-timed pass and dodged his way through the opposition defence to send the ball into the back of the net.
YUFC then clung on and eventually collected all three points in their campaign opener.
In Sunday's fixtures, SU will take on AFC while NISA face NEROCA FC.
19 teams are in the fray for the 15th Manipur State League honours.
Young Physique's Union (YPHU) and Yarkhok United FC (YUFC) are placed in Group A along with Sagolband United (SU), Rising Athletic Union (RAU), Muvanlai Athletics (MA), North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU), Keinou Library & Sports Association (KLASA), Manipur Police Sports Club (MPSC), United Khawzim Brothers (UKB) and The Athletics Football Club (AFC).
Group B has North Imphal Sporting Association (NISA), Southern Sporting Union (SSU), Ganggam Soccer Club (GSC), Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU), Nambul Mapal Athletic & Cultural Organisation (NACO), Kshetri Iril Mapal Youth Club (KIYC), Dimapur Road Athletic Organisation (DMRAO), NEROCA FC and Anouba Imagi Mangai (AIM) .