KLSA FC, NEROCA close in on CC Meet semis
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 07 2022:
KLASA FC (Keinou) and NEROCA FC (Sangakpham) both triumphed in their first matches of the quarterfinal league round of the 63rd CC Meet on Monday to close in on the semifinals.
KLASA FC boosted their chances of qualifying for the last-four stage with a comfortable 4-2 win over KIYC (Kshetri Iril Mapal) in their Group A match at Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.
It was KIYC who took the lead when Ngariyanbam Jen-ish struck just seven minutes into regulation.
But the side themselves squandered their 1-0 advantage in the 37th minute after L Amit Singh steered an attempted clearance into his own net.
Both teams went into the second period tied 1-1.In the ensuing exchanges, KLASA staged a remarkable turnaround pumping in three goals in the space of 13 minutes and put themselves beyond the opposition's reach.
L Nabachandra put the Keinou side in front in the 67th minute and then Sudhir Laitonjam extended their lead to 3-1 in the 70th minute before Lunminlal Haokip made it 4-1 in the 80th minute, leaving KIYC little time to mount a comeback.
Somishon Shirak reduced the deficit for KIYC in the final seconds of stoppage.
NEROCA FC rode on Kh Lucky Singh's double to overcome a stiff challenge from Muvanlai Athletics (Kangpokpi) in their Group B encounter.
Lucky put NEROCA ahead in the 14th minute but Haotinsem drew level for Muvanlai in the 40th minute, heading into the second half.
After the break, Lucky was at it again in the 64th minute to restore his side's one-goal advantage.
Muvamlai attempted a comeback by ramping up the intensity upfront but they struggled to breakdown a resolute NEROCA defence and the Sangakpham side deservedly emerged t he victors.