11th Manipur State League AIM set up summit clash with NEROCA FC
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 23 2016:
Defending champions AIM, Khabam Lamkhai stormed into the final of the 11th Manipur State League after notching a narrow 1-0 victory over NACO, Nambul Mapan in today's semi-final clash.
This year's Durand Cup finalists NEROCA FC and reigning champs AIM will play the final match of the tournament on Nov 25 at Khuman Lampak main stadium at 1 pm.
A late goal by strike prodigy N Pritam through a spot kick enabled buoyant AIM to edge past NACO en route their final qualification.
The match today also saw one player each of the two teams being sent off.
The first session of the match was marked by a drab, goalless draw.
None of the teams were nowhere close to the dazzling performance from their previous matches.
Even as both sides got some chances in the first half, they failed to capitalise on them.
Both teams made the surge in the second half.
Officials of the two sides also became vocal in protesting the referee's decision which eventually led to the sending off of AIM manager from the substitute bench in the 78th minute.
Not long after, penalty was awarded in favour of AIM as Pritam was brought down by NACO defenders inside the box.
The decision of the referee evoked strong protest from NACO players.
In an attempt to keep the players in control, who by the end of the match turned rough and committed serious fouls, the referee sent off AIM defender Y Chingkhei and NACO's S Anand in the 84th minute.