UPAA edge Angtha FC 4-3 on penalties to seal 3rd AMFA Cup title
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 31 2024: UPAA, Kyamgei beat Angtha FC, Angtha by 4-3 goals on penalties after a 1-1 regulation time draw to earn the title of the 3rd AMFA Cup organised by the All Manipur Football Association at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.

With the title in sight, both teams jumped into the action from the word go but entered into the break goalless despite chances on both ends.

UPAA edge Angtha FC 4-3 on penalties to seal 3rd AMFA Cup title

The two sides kept their tempo intact after the restart and it were Angtha FC who drew first blood after 56 minute as Ningthoujam Donel made a clinical finish.

Undaunted by the sudden lead, UPAA made some fresh chances and to everyone's surprise Vyas Loktongbam who subbed in for Ngathem Imarson after 62 minutes, found the equaliser within 7 minutes of his entry.

With the competition remaining open again, the two sides kept searching for the difference but defence came on top to deny any changes in the scoreline till the end of regulation time.

Eventually the game was decided via penalty shoot-out where UPAA rode on Blessing Keishing, Md Wazid Khan, Yumnam Surchandra and Vyas Loktongbam to edge Angtha FC 4-3 despite Ch Roshan's failure to convert his chance.

Konthoujam Dhruv, Laishram Sailesh and Chanambam Mangal converted from the spot for Angtha team in the shoot-out as Sagolshem Priyojit missed the target and Laishram Dineshwor saw his kick saved by UPAA custodian L Bombom.

The closing ceremony of the tournament sponsored by Sheikh Babumacha Memorial Trust was attended by M Rachandra, vice president, Manipur Olympic Association; DB Kowar, vice president, All Manipur Football Association; W Mobicha, president, Imphal West District Football Association; L Naba, president DSA Bishnupur; Sheikh Abdul Hakim, Joint Secretary, YAS and M Ratankumar, president, All Manipur Football Association as presidium members who also presented trophies and other accolades to the winners and runners up teams.