SU, YUFC seal remaining semis spots of Manoranjan football tournament
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 21 2022:
SU (Sagolband) and YUFC (Ukhrul) triumphed on Friday to join KSC (Kang-pokpi) and Classic FA in the semifinals of the 12th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF Football Tournament.
SU overcame UKB (Churachandpur) in a penalty shootout after the score remained 2-2 at the end of regulation time.
UKB fought back from two goals down to force the shootout.
The Sagolband side stated strongly and took the lead just four minutes from kickoff.
It was Premananda who found the opener and gave SU the upper hand throughout the first-half contest.
SU gained further ground when Paokhongam was on target 19 minutes into the second half.
UKB got their act together and reduced the deficit in the 79th minute courtesy of a strike by Kamsanglian Singson.
The Churachandpur squad built on their first goal, ramping up the intensity till the last moment to force a 2-2 draw with Paolenlal scoring the leveller in the 90th minute.
In the penalty shootout, SU outscored UKB 5-3 as Seilenlal, Henry, Christopher, Basanta and Premananda all converted from the spot to send their side straight to the last four.
YUFC, meanwhile, pulled off a 2-0 win over ESU (Wangkhei) in their quarterfinal encounter.
After a goalless first period, YUFC broke through ESU's defence to move ahead with a 52nd-effort from Ayat Chiphang.
The Ukhrul team added their second goal in the fag-end of injury time through Rungsing Munao for their place in the semifinals.
The last-four matches will take place on Sunday, January 23, with KSC taking on SU at 10.30 am and YUFC meeting Classic FA at 1.30 pm .