61st CC Meet : Valentine brace helps AIM edge out RAU 2-1 in tense pre-quarter final clash
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2019: Valentine scored twice in the second half including a stoppage time goal to earn Anouba Imagi Mangal (AIM), Khabam a 2-1 win against Rising Athletic Union (RAU), Lamlong Thongkhong to book a place in the quarter finals of the 61st Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Football Tournament being organised by All Manipur Football Association at Artificial Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak, today.

It was indeed an exciting outing for both AIM and RAU as the later managed a 1-0 lead in the first half before suffering a nightmarish end.

The match also witnessed some tense moments halfway of the second half but the referee did well to ease the tension and complete the match.

Although the game began with a series of runs and close interception, it were RAU who got the lead in the 33rd minute with Somishon Shirak heading home the ball after his team mate Raj Shah sent the ball to the goal mouth off a free kick.

Although AIM replied back with more intensity after the goal, lack of composure and finesse hindred them from coming to level term in the first half.

After having an unsuccesful spell in the first half, AIM entered the field with more purpose and it were Nigerian strikers Jackson and Valentine who led in threatening RAU defence on multiple occasions in search of the equaliser.

RAU managed to hold their fort for a major portion of the game but a silly foul by M Ajit Singh inside the box in the 82nd minute cost them dearly as a penalty kick was awarded subsequently to AIM and Valentine who were looking for a breakthrough dispatched home the ball coolly to draw level.

The goal gave a huge boost to the Khabam side and were relentless in their attempts as they looked for the winner desperately.

The game almost ended in a 1-1 draw but an additional time goal by Valentine gave AIM one of the most memorable moments in tournament as he connected to a drop near the edge of the RAU's box from the halfway line, and dodged past few defenders before unleashing a power-packed shot from the close range to beat the RAU keeper for a 2-1 finish.

J Kuki (36'), A Rishan (64') and Chipang (81') of RAU and Jackson (19'), L Rocky (39'), Akbar (57') and Govin (66') were yellow carded by the referee.

AFC, Thoubal will meet KPFC, Bishnupur in the next match tomorrow at 1.30 pm .

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