NACO edge into Shaheed Manoranjan football last 16
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 06 2023:
Riding on L Ajai's second-half goal, NACO (Keishamthong) ground out a narrow 1-0 win over ESU (Wangkhei) on the second day of the 13th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF Football Tournament at SAI Sports Complex, Takyel.
The first half was a frustrating see-saw battle that witnessed a couple of squandered chances from both sides.
After the break, the squads ramped up the intensity and possession, like the first period, changed hands without fruitful efforts for the major part of the second half.
The game finally burst into life in the 75th minute when NACO dodged their way through the opposition to set up L Ajai who made no mistake in sending the ball straight into the net.
ESU's spirited fight in the remaining minutes proved futile as NACO held on to seal the victory and progress to the last 16 .
In Tuesday (February 7)'s fixtures, YPHU (Lalambung) will play Juvenile Club (Sagolband) and RAU (Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai) take on USA (Khurai) .