61st CC Meet : TRAU FC edge out Laban FC 4-3 in quarter final thriller
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 31 2019: TRAU FC, Kwakeithel continued their fine form and keep their title pursuit alive as they edged out Laban FC, Shillong 4-3 in a thrilling quarter final clash in the ongoing 61st Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Football Tournament organised by All Manipur Football Association at Artificial Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak today.

TRAU FC scored twice in a blistering first half before taking their foot off the pedal in the earlier part of the second half and held off Laban FC's comeback to finish off the game 4-3 and sealed the last 4 round of the competition.

TRAU enjoyed a dominating first half as its Nigerian forward, Princewill Olariche Emeka showed his mettle scoring twice and helped TRAU take a 2-0 lead against Laban FC.

The complexion of the game might have been different if Laban FC's Batskhem C Shanpru did not miss the spot kick awarded in the 5th minute following a foul by TRAU's Shahabaaz Khan.

Princewill Emeka broke the deadlock in the 25th minute off a penalty kick after Eijingmut Lyngdoh of Laban FC was adjudged to have pulled him down inside the box before netting his second in the 37th minute.

The second goal was a result of nice team combination as Mayosing Khongreiwoshi set up a brilliant pass and Emeka was in the right place to slot home the ball past Laban FC keeper.

Laban FC, which were struggling together to put up a good show in the first session, however sprang up with more intent after the restart and it was Victory Sadap who reduced the gap to one goal with a fine shot in the 51st minute of the match off a beautiful assist by Damehun Syih.

The goal gave Laban FC a huge boost and team managed to pull level in the 57th minute through Stephanson Pale who collected a well measured past from his team mate Eijingmut Lyngdoh before unleashing a powerful shot past the TRAU keeper.

It took another two more minutes for TRAU to realise their hesitancy as Eijingmut Lyngdog set up Victor Sadap second goal in the 59th minute and earned Laban FC a 3-2 lead.

The sudden lead forced TRAU which is preparing for the Second Division League final round, to up the ante and they successfully managed to ease off their fans' worries as Joseph Mayowa and Ng Naocha, who were constant threat to the Shillong side managed a goal each for a 4-3 finish.

Joseph Mayowa was quick to foresee Emeka's assist and struck the equaliser in the 65th minute.

Most of the spectators were expecting a tie breaker as the two sides seemed to be on level terms until Ng Naocha raced up to the front and pounced on a loose ball after Laban FC made a frenetic clearance on Emeka's attempt, before tapping in the ball in the 85th minute to settle their nerves.

TRAU's Ngaraipam K (25') and Kh Krishnananda (72'); and Laban FC's Stephanson Pale (53'), Joy Mrong Kharraswai (79') and Pynshongdor Shadap (86') were yellow carded in this thrilling encounter.

Sagolband United will lock horns with Anouba Imagi Mangal (AIM), Khabam in the first semi-final match tomorrow at 1.30 pm .

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