61st CC Meet : Angousana direct kick earns SU semi-final berth
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 30 2019: Angousana scored on a direct kick 12 minutes from time to hold off a dominant Assam Regimental Centre (ARC), Shillong 1-0 and earn Sagolband United (SU) a place in the last four round of the ongoing 61st Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Football Tournament at Artificial Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak today.

ARC which finished runners up in the previous edition of the tournament, dominated the possession overall but the lone goal in the 78th minute was more than enough for the Sagolband side to book the semi-final spot today.

ARC had the better of the possession and attack from the beginning and gave SU a tough time with a series of fine runs and measured passes displaying their deftness but the latter team managed well to deny them taking a step ahead rendering the first half end in a goalless draw.

ARC made amends in their approach after the restart to pile up more pressure on SU but failed to make their effort count as latter team defence line stood like an impregnable wall and thwarted all penetrating moves swiftly in time.

And it was against the run of the play that SU found the lead when Angousana beat the ARC keeper Th Roshan off a direct kick from the left edge of the penalty area in the 78th minute and shattered ARC's dream of making it to the last 4 round of the competition.

The unexpected lead forced ARC to struggle more in the latter part of the game but the Sagolband side which had lesser chance of attack held off every challenge coolly to maintain their lead till the final whistle for a 1-0 finish.

Y Giransana of ARC was yellow carded for his foul while trying to steal a ball from S Sanatomba of Sagolband United in the 36th minute of the match.

Laban SC, Shillong will take on TRAU, Kwakeithel for a place in the semi-final tomorrow at 1.30 pm at the same venue.

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