NISA and ESU advanced into next stage at CC Meet football
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 20 2012:
Former champions NISA, Thangmeiband and ESU, Wangkhei advanced into the next stage of the 56th CC Meet football tournament with contrasting wins over their respective group rivals at Mapal kangjeibung today.
While NISA outlasted FC Khanglai, Saikul 2-0, the Wangkhei side overcame Sagolband United 5-4 in penalty shoot-out after both netted two apiece at the end of 90 minute normal period.
Laminthang (22nd) and Md Amir Khan (65th) scored for ESU as SU restored parity through S Bishwarjit's brace (31st, 55th).
In the tie-breaker, L Boinao, A Ratan and S Ratan converted for ESU with only A Temba and Thanggoulun Haokip succeeding for the Sagolband side out of five attempts each.
Inspite of a barren first half, and M Bijen missing a penalty early in the second, NISA sealed its berth in the second round with Michael Joute (74th) opening the score and Bijen amending his earlier mistake with the 76th minute match-winner.
With the exit of three teams in two days of competition, 25 teams, including three outstation teams, remain in the tournament, being played on knock-out format.
The outstation teams Assam Regimental Centre (Shillong), Assam Rifles (Tejpur) and OIL India (Duliajan) will compete from the third round.