MSL: AIM, FC Zalen set for title clash; MPSC relegated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 03 2015: Anouba Imagi Mangal (AIM), Khabam Lamkhai and Football Club Zalen (FC Zalen), Sadar Hills entered the final of the ongoing 10th Manipur State League organised by AMFA under the sponsorship of Khumukcham Ingocha Singh Memorial Trust.

Riding on a brace from O Milan, who slotted home in the 85th and 90+2 minute, AIM, Khabam booked their final berth defeating NISA, Thangmeiband by a margin of three goals to one in the first semifinal match of the tournament today at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

At the same time, NEROCA FC, Sangakpham, which were comfortably placed at the first position of the league round with nine wins and two draws from eleven appearances, suffered a defeat at the hands of FC Zalen, the fourth rank holder of the league round, in the second semifinal match later today.

The semifinal match between NISA, Thangmeiband and AIM, Khabam Lamkhai began on an impressive note.

Although both sides fought hard to open the account right from the first whistle, the two sides could not break the deadlock in the first half of the match.

NEROCA FC vs FC Zalen

L Dewan of AIM opened the team's account in the 50th minute.

A brace from O Milan sealed the victory of AIM.

The consolation goal for the Thangmeiband side came when L Milan banged in a goal in the 77th minute.

L Dewan, N Boreesh and N Pritam of AIM; Th Ibotomba and L Ratan of NISA were cautioned.

In the second semifinal match, league leader NEROCA FC suffered a defeat at the hands of FC Sadar Hills 6-7 via tie breaker.

With strong pressure from enthusiastic fans, the two semifinalists began playing tactfully right from the start of the match.

Significantly, the first half of the match ended in a scoreless draw.

The deadlock was broken in the 62nd minute when FC Zalen striker Patrick Kamei converted a penalty kick.

NEROCA FC found the equaliser when its Nigeria striker Emeka Christian's header found the target off a direct kick from A Ashok in the 87th minute.

As the pace accelerated in the last minutes of the match, both teams displayed their finesse.

Another goal for FC Zalen through Seikhohao Tuboi's own efforts in the 90+1 minute sent their opponents scurrying to find a quick equaliser.

Just a minute later, NEROCA FC equalised when Imran Khan scored a brilliant goal through an out throw from Md Sohail.

The full time of the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Penalty came into play to decide the winner of the match.

Although five Zalen players found their target, one of NEROCA FC players missed the penalty.

Meanwhile, MPSC were relegated from the Manipur State League after losing the relegation battle earlier today at the same venue.

MPSC lost to TRUGPU, Nambol 0-1 in the first round of the match today at 8 am.

The winning goal for TRUGPU was scored by Sh Meiraba in the 20th minute.

The Police players' efforts to equalise went abegging.

In the second knockout round, Zomi FC, Churachandpur defeated USA, Khurai 5-3 via tie break.

The full time of the match ended in a 1-1 draw necessitating a penalty to decide the winner.

While four of the ZFC players converted, only two of the USA players found their target.

As USA registered protest against ZFC player Gogou Hangsing, the AMFA officials could not decide the match result yet.

The final match will be played between AIM, Khabam Lamkhai and FC Zalen at 2 pm on November 6 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

NISA and NEROCA FC will fight for the third place at 12.15 pm on Nov 6 at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

YPHU and SSU will fight for the 5th place tomorrow at 12.15 pm at Artificial Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak tomorrow while NACO and TRAU will vie for the 7th place at 2 pm at the same venue.