11th SOA Open Japhou-A down Meeleen to enter last 4
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 24 2017: Japhou-A scored when it mattered and they managed to down Meeleen by the margin of 2 goals to nil to enter the semi-final of the ongoing 11th SOA Open, organised by Sirti Olympic Association at Chandel today.

Taking cognizance of the significance of the match, both teams took to the field warily and did not really open up preferring to keep their citadel intact.

This however did not mean that players of either team did not look for the opening to raid the territory of the rival team.

11th SOA Open Japhou-A down Meeleen to enter last 4

Cautious, both teams were, but Japhou A were the more adventurous team, using good use of the flanks with some quick running and crisp passing.

The first goal of the match came in the 27th minute when Sh Shepbergam of Japhou A came out with some clever moves of the feet and the body, to beat a couple of defenders and beat the goalkeeper of Meeleen with a power packed shot.

The one goal lead put more vim in the players of Japhou A and they put more men in the attack and went out looking to pump in more goals. Taking control of the midfield, Japhou A started dictating the pace of the match and Sh Shepbergam was at it again when he found himself well placed to take a shot at the goal.

The well measured shot beat the custodian of Meeleen in the 30th minute and this was more than enough to help Japhou wrap up the match by the margin of 2 goals to nil. In the 11th SOA Veteran category, Liwa Changning kept their cool and managed to beat Changne by a margin of 3 goals to one via the tie breaker after both teams failed to break the deadlock in regulation time.

With the win, Liwa Changning have entered the final.