16th Manipur State League : NESU edge NISA 2-1, top Group B unbeaten
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 14 2024: North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU), Khurai edged past NISA, Thangmeiband by 2-1 goals to stretch their winning run to 6 games and remain unbeaten in 7 of 7 games in 16th Manipur State League Group B competition.

NISA started brightly at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong and went ahead after 26 minutes through Sapam Ton's strike in this top of the table contest but the lead did not last long as NESU, who had been unbeaten in 6 games, pulled level through Yumnam Monis in the 40th minute.

After settling the first half in a 1-1 stalemate, NESU entered the field with more intent and overturned the lead in the 57th minute through Phijam Sanathoi after some exchanges between the teams.

Both the sides looked to add to their tally in the remaining part of the game but defences on both ends emerged on top to deny any alteration in the scoreline .

With the result, NESU secured Group B pole position on 19 points off 6 wins and a draw while NISA finished Group B runners up on 13 points off four wins and 1 draw.

Later in the day, S Johny Kom scored thrice to help Rahee UC salvage a 3-3 draw with Nambul Mapal Athletic and Cultural Organisation (NACO) .

NACO entered into the break with a 2-1 advantage as Konsam Akash (20') and Takhenchangbam Krishnananda (45') were on target.

S Johny Kom who scored his first in the 31st minute netted his second two minutes into the second half to put Rahee UC on level terms but Sekhar Tensubam helped NACO regain their lead with a final goal in the 50th minute.

Rahee UC made their way into the game with Johny Kom hitting his third in the 69th minute and the game saw no further goal from both the ends despite few chances late on.

Following the result, NACO finished their group campaign with 7 points to seal 6th place as Rahee UC finished 8th with just 2 points.

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