XI Star, GDC gain semis first-leg advantage
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 13 2022:
XI Star Sporting Union (Akampat) and Ground Development Committee (GDC) both notched up a convincing win in the first leg of the 26th Winners' Cup semifinals on Tuesday.
XI Star came from behind to outscore Lamka Sports Club 3-1 at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong in their semifinal first-leg action.
The Lamka side had a bright start when Thangmuanlal Tunglut put his side ahead with an 11th-minute strike.
However, XI Star responded with a 25th-minute leveller from Giftson Kamei as the squads went into the second period without neither side gaining the upper hand.
The Akampat side raised their level upfront after the break and their attacking prowess was rewarded moments into the second half with Lansingam Reamei on target in the 60th minute.
After taking a 2-1 lead, XI Star made further inroads in the space of seven minutes when Golmei Apu Kabui found the back of the net.
They then successfully fended off LSC's comeback attempts to close in on the final.
GDC too prevailed 3-1 against Kuki Football Academy in their semifinal tie at the Artificial Turf Ground later in the day.
It was KFA who had a promising start after Lengous-em Sailo put them in front just two minutes into the game.
GDC bounced back with a 15th-minute goal from Huirem Romesh Singh before they pumped in two goals in the second half.
They capitalised on a defensive slipup to set up Khaidem Amarjit Singh for their second goal in the 62nd minute before Heisnam Mechael Singh completed their collection in the 83rd minute for the eventual 3-1 result.