Lajong FC win exhibition tie
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05, 2013: Despite the brilliance of S Dinakumar under the bar home side Manipur Arambai XI lost to Indian League team Shillong Lajong Football Club 3-4 in penalty shoot-out in an exhibition match held today at Khuman Lampak main Stadium.

Despite incessant rainfall reducing the number of spectators the visitors, who fielded some international players for the exhibition match organised by Wangoi Football Association, had some anxious moments as the local players were seemingly more adept to the heavy ground condition.

While strikers from both side failed to find the mark in the initial minutes of the match, Lajong's Trinidad and Tobago world cupper Cornell Glen drew first blood from a 12th minute penalty award.

With Md Sahidur restoring parity for the home team at the hour mark and neither side able to add to the score in regulation period, tie-break was applied to decide the winner which the visitors eventually emerged as Samuel Shadap, Kh Jibon and Wailaomi Passan managed to evade Dinakumar.

Even though the Arambai custodian denied the rivals' Boithang and Lalranamuana, only two of his teammates could convert their shots into goal.

Compared to Md Sohail and Md Imran Khan succeeding from the spot, Md Sahidur hit the right post and Kh Oken slammed it way over the bar.

Dinakumar, who took the final shot after some deliberation, also failed to put his team in the race as his attempt went straight to rival keeper.

The match was held with Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports M Prithviraj Singh as the chief guest.

Div I league: Goals on either half by Kakochu (20th) and Ruhikanta (53rd) helped ECHO, Bishnupur cruise to a 2-0 win over AKSA, Kwakta in a Group B match of the 3rd Y Tejkumar Memorial Division I league at Bishnu-pur Mini stadium today.

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