DM RAO lift 21st Winners' Cup
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 24 2016: Imphal West outfits, DM RAO, Sekmai were crowned the champions of the Thangjam Birachandra-Maipakpi memorial 21st Winners' Cup 2016 after they beat Muvanlai Athletic Club (MAC), Sadar Hills 4-3 in a pulsating summit clash today at Khuman Lampak Main stadium.

In an evenly contested edge-of-the-seat final, DM RAO sealed the deal through a strike by Y Sushilkumar in the dying minute of the injury time.

Both the teams started cautiously and had the honours shared equally in the first half as they went to the break 1-1.In the second quarter of the second half, MAC made the goal difference 3-1.However, the last minutes saw the surge of DM RAO who equalised the goal in quick succession.

The Imphal West outfits romped home the victory courtesy the strike in the last minute of the additional time.

DM RAO lift 21st Winners' Cup

It was David Mangboi Lhungdim who handed an early lead to the Sadar Hills side when his header off a free kick from Lun Joel Haokip from near the penalty area found the back of DM RAO's net in the 9th minute.

DM RAO exhibited a spirited fight to level the score and they succeeded in restoring parity in the 41st minute through Wungramchan PS as he latched on a brilliant pass from H Vareiyang.

The second half saw DM RAO heaping pressure on MAC defenders.

However, their efforts did not yield.

Instead, MAC once again got their lead as Thangkivet Kipgen booted home a goal in the 62nd minute.

Not long after the second goal, MAC striker Jamkholen Haokip was bang on target in the 66th minute to make it 3-1 .

Seemingly convinced that they had already tamed their rivals, MAC coach made several changes.

Undaunted by the widened goal difference, DM RAO put up a spirited fight in their efforts to seize the moment.

Y Sushilkumar netted the second goal of DM RAO after collecting a ball which was delivered into MAC goal area by H Naocha from halfway mark in the 79th minute.

In a span of three minutes from the second goal, DM RAO levelled the score as Khangatar Tungshangnao hammered home a pass from Thanglenmoi Vaiphei.

After restoring parity, both sides scurried to find the match winner seeking a climatic end.

Y Sushilkumar sealed the deal for DM RAO as his last ditch attempt in the dying minute of the additional time through a corner kick was on target.

The thrilling final match was attended by N Nabachandra Singh, chairman, Bhubon Technical and Skill Development Pvt Ltd, S Sanatomba Singh, president, AMFA and Dr Th Dhabali Singh, MD, Babina Healthcare and Hospitality Pvt Ltd as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

The winners got richer by Rs 50,000 while the runners- team got Rs 30,000 along with a rolling trophy each.

The tournament was held under the sponsorship of Babina Healthcare and Hospitality Pvt Ltd.