KSC, CFA to face off in Manoranjan football final
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 23 2022:
KSC (Kangpokpi) and Classic FA set up final showdown in the 12th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF Football Tournament 2021-22, following their semifinal triumphs at SAI Turf Ground, Takyel, on Sunday.
Solomon scored a hat-trick to help KSC fight off a deficit to storm past SU 4-1 on their way to the final.
SU were ahead in the 23rd minute when Anandkumar capitalised on a well-timed pass to bury the ball in the back of the net.
But the Sagolband side paid heavily for a defensive error in the 26th minute that put KSC back into the game as the squads went into the second half tied 1-1 .
After the interval, the Kangpokpi side turned things around as they cut through the opposition's defence at numerous moments to let Solomon had his way.
Solomon kick-started his three-goal salvo when he drove home a superb finish in the 53rd minute that left the SU goalkeeper rooted to the goal line.
Buoyed by their 2-1 lead, KSC continued to make their opponents busy at the other end and their efforts paid off in the 70th minute with Solomon collecting his second goal that put his side in control.
12 minutes later, Solomon roared into action again to complete his treble as KSC wrapped up the victory in style en route to the final.
Classic FA, meanwhile, needed a penalty shootout against YUFC (Ukhrul) for their place in the final.
YUFC threw away a 2-0 lead as Classic staged a dramatic comeback in the final minutes of regulation time to force a 2-2 draw.
The Ukhrul side took the lead in the 28th minute after Blessing Keishing found the back of the net.
Blessing produced another individual quality to put his team 2-0 up in the 57th minute.
YUFC looked good as though they were on for a dominant win but Classic sprang a late surprise with a double courtesy of Joel (90th) and Bijeshwar (90+4) to ensure the game was decided by spot kicks.
In the penalty shootout, Classic FA prevailed 4-1 after Serto, Dimngel, Dettol and Robert converted from the spot.
The final match between KSC and Classic FA will take place on January 29 at 12.30 pm .