Paolenlal stars in FC Zalen win
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 28 2014 :
Exhibiting qualities of anticipation and clinical finishing Paolenlal Khongsai helped title contenders FC Zalen outlast Eleven Brothers 3-2 and cruise into the quarters finals of the Khanglai Meet 2014 football tournament.
While Paolenlal scored twice in a keenly contested group match played today at Brig Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi, S Changoubung and Ninou FC also advanced to the last eight round after a 1-1 draw at the same venue.
For a place in the semifinals, FC Zalen will play S Changoubung as Ninou FC face Somphung YC in quarter final matches tomorrow.
The day's first match saw Paolenlal set the pace of the game scoring his first of two only two minutes after the first whistle.
Even though eleven Brothers restored parity from a corner kick five minutes later through Boilen, Zalen regained the one-goal advantage when Helun Haokip found the back of the opponents' net in the 47th.The lead, however, lasted for only nine minutes as Richard surprised Lalminlun Kipgen under the Zalen bar to keep the afternoon crowd on the edge.
Following relentless attacks to grab the win, Zalen ultimately managed to breach the rival fort when a defence splitting pass from Hemin saw Paolenlal knock in the match winner with only a few minutes remaining.
The S Changoubung versus Ninou FC tussle had the latter take the lead in the 32nd minute through Ngamboi Tuboi and Kamthang level for Changoubung in the 43rd.