Yarkhok United FC clinch 23rd Winners' Cup title
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 08 2019:
Yarkhok United Football Club (YUFC), Ukhrul got the better of Gangam Soccer Club (GSC), Churachandpur by 8-7 goals via tie breaker after 3-3 draw during regulation time to lift the title of the Thangjam Birchandra-Maipakpi Memorial 23rd Winners' Cup 2019 sponsored by Babina Healthcare and Hospitality Pvt Ltd and organised by All Manipur Football Association at Main Stadium Khuman Lampak today.
GSC had a dominating start and enjoyed a 2-1 first half lead against YUFC in this thrilling final encounter before coming back and snatched a late stoppage time goal to salvage a 3-3 draw during normal time as the latter team made a good comeback in the second half to overturn the score.
But to GSC's disappointment YUFC came out to be more accurate in the penalty shoot-out and finished the game 8-7 in aggregate to walk away with the title trophy and a winners prize of Rs 50,000 .
Runners up GSC were also feted 30,000.Goal came early for the GSC as Chngneihen Serto beat the YUFC keeper in the 4th minute off a beautiful freekick before K Lalrintluanga headed in the second goal in the 30th minute on Crispin Kamson cross.
YUFC which were unable to find their form however made their way through in the 42nd minute when Sr Kagaly Anal pounced on a loose ball after his team mate Chanso Horam attempted and tapped in with ease past GSC keeper to make it 1-2 at the half time.
YUFC were clever to capitalise on defensive lapses of the GSC after the break and had the equaliser through Somy Ragui following a freekick in the 55th minute as GSC keeper misjudged the ball.
The equaliser gave YUFC more confidence and their disciplined approach helped them earn the lead in the 63rd minute with SR Kagaly converting a penalty kick after his compatriot Tacham Okchar Raleng was fouled by GSC's Lalramhluna.
YUFC almost clinched the 3-2 but Haulallawm Vaiphei drew level in the 3rd minute of the stoppage after Crispin Kamson fed him a calculated cross hinting for the tie breaker to decide the winners.
In the shoot-out, L Sitlhou, Chngneihen Serto, J Khongsai and Jefferson R scored for the Churachandpur side while Somy Ragui, Shunjanthan Ragui, Chanso Horam, PK Ngachonhor and SR Kagaly Anal sent the ball into the net for the winners.
Boigen Neihsiel (24') and Cngneihen Serto (53') of GSC and Mingon Chiphang (14') and SR Kagaly Anal (64') of YUFC were yellow carded by the referee.