21st Challenge Cup : CYCLONE-A beat KVFC on penalties to book final berth
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 28 2019:
CYCLONE-A, Thangmeiband made themselves into the final of the 21st Challenge Cup Veteran Football Tournament organised by Manipur Veteran Football Association at Mapal Kangjeibung today after beating KVFC, Konthoujam 7-4 goals on penalties after 1-1 draw during the regulation time.
CYCLONE-A got off to a flying start as L Rolendro found the opener in the opening minute itself after connecting well to a corner kick but T Neipu Kom of KVFC made a surprising reply as he lofted home the equaliser the very next minute after capitalising on the ball in the midfield.
The two sides however failed to break the deadlock in the latter part of the game despite having fair share of possession and scoring chances.
Eventually the game was stretched to penalty shoot-out to decide who will advance into the final.
In the shoot out, K Khellendro, M Bimolchandra, W Khogen, Kh Bonomali, S Shyamsunder, N Uttam and W Tamphajao of CYCLONE-A beat the KVFC keeper while only Lamkholen Kipgen, Kh Nandababu, M Bishorjit and M Shyamsunder converted the kicks into goal thereby handing the Thangmeiband side a place in the final.
W Khogen of CYCLONE-A was named as man of the match and feted with Rs 1,000 sponsored by proprietor of Phouoibee Hotel, L Birkeshor Singh.
NCVFC, Churachandpur will take on United Veterans, Kolkata in the second semifinal match tomorrow.