10th Naorem Bhubon Memorial Football meet UBSA edge past SAI to enter final
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 04 2014:
In a pulsating semi final, UBSA Mantak edged past SAI SAG Utlou by a solitary goal to enter the final of the 10th Naorem Bhubon Memorial State Level Invitation Football Tournament for the DSA Trophy being played at DSA Kakching ground today.
Though the two teams were evenly matched, UBSA Mantak took an early lead in the 17th minute of the match, when Agalu after out pacing a couple of defenders found an unmarked Koshil near the goal mouth of SAI SAG Utlou.
Koshil did well to keep his composure and after calmly controlling the ball slotted it home to take his team one goal ahead.
Stung by the early goal, SAI SAG adopted a more attacking style and went on the offensive.
However no real danger was posed to the UBSA team and lemon break was taken with UBSA resting on the one goal lead.
After the break, SAI SAG kept up the pressure and made inroads into the rival territory several times only to be beaten back by the tight defence line of UBSA.
The defenders of UBSA did well to keep the attackers of SAI SAG at bay with some tight marking.
With the SAI SAG team going all out, the team had a splendid opportunity to level the score in the second half.
Taking full control of the ball and after beating a couple of defenders, Amuthoi of SAI SAG breached the defence of UBSA down the left flank and centred the ball near the penalty area of UBSA.
Striker Surjakanta who was lurking nearby pounced on the ball and unleashed a powerful shot, but to the dismay of SAI SAG, the ball went wide.
This did not deter the SAI players as they kept on piling the pressure and Amuthoi was once again at it when he took the ball deep down the left flank and crossed the ball to Surjakanta.
Surjakanta positioned himself well and took a well aimed shot at the goal of UBSA.
The custodian of UBSA however rose to the occasion to effect a fine save and keep the one goal lead intact.
UBSA relied on counter attacks but failed to increase its lead, but the one goal win was enough to send them to the final, where they are scheduled to meet TRAU, Kwakeithel, which has already entered the final.
The date of the final is yet to be decided.