15th Manipur State League : Late goal helps MA hold NESU, SSU edge past NACO 3-2
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 20 2022:
Muvanlai Athletics (MA) scored one minute from time to salvage a 1-1 draw with North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU) in a Group B match of the ongoing 15th Manipur State League at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.
MA and NESU were evenly poised and had plenty of chances in the first half but neither side made the most of their chances and eventually the first half ended barren.
The two sides were better in defending yet again after the half until defender Bilky Laitonjam scored in the 76th minute.
When NESU looked to steal all three points, MA's midfielder Samson Haubiakmuan equalised in the 89th minute and salvaged a point for his team.
Later in a Group A encounter, Southern Sporting Union (SSU) overcame late pressure to secure a 3-2 win over Nambul Mapal Athletic and Cultural Organisation (NACO) .
It was the second straight win for the Singjamei team having registered a 2-1 win over DM RAO in the previous match.
SSU made a good start stringing a series of runs gainst NACO who had beaten TRAU 2-0 in the previous outing, and were ahead after 33 minutes off a penalty converted by defender Naorem Sanjiv Singh.
Midfielder Yumnam Joychandra then capitalised on a fine chance in the 40th minute to give SSU a comfortable 2-0 lead before NACO fought back and pulled back a goal courtesy Ngairangbam Rakesh's 45th minute strike to make it 1-2 at the break.
SSU, who were relentless in their attempts, earned another penalty following a clumsy foul by a NACO midfielder and defender Ningomabam Kabiraj made no mistake in sending NACO keeper Chanambam Kumar on the wrong side.
Undaunted by the huge gap, NACO put in a brave effort to cut the gap and their efforts paid off soon with Golmei Kabui finding the target in the 69th minute.
They however failed to close out the gap as SSU defence formed an impregnable defence to deny their rivals a comeback.
On September 22, YPHU will play UKB from 12.30 pm before AFC take on MPSC from 2.45 pm .