P Naoba double fires SSU into 63rd CC Meet final
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 15 2022: Southern Sporting Union (SSU), Singjamei rode on P Naoba double to beat 10-man KLASA FC, Keinou 2-0 in the first semi-final match of the ongoing 63rd Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament 2021-22 here at Artificial Turf, Lamlong Thongkhong today.

It was an intense game and saw a harsh turn after the break when RK Robin received a second yellow card and was sent off.

Players vehemently protested the referee's decision forcing the game to be halted for a few minutes before it was calmly settled.

P Naoba double fires SSU into 63rd CC Meet final

Sadly, ruining the beauty of the game, fans of a team hurled offensive and harsh words to the match officials on multiple occasions in the first half causing a brief altercation towards the halftime.

However, with the intervention of security personnel, the situation was brought under control and order among the fans was maintained in the second half.

The game started with a bang as KLASA FC got the scoring chance as early as second minute but U-21 player Lunminlen hit the side netting.

KLASA FC's Sudhir Laitonjam then had a drilling shot parried away the next minute.

SSU also replied back positively and were seen gradually taking control of the possession with fine passes and it was in the 6th minute that P Naoba had the closest scoring chance but went in vain.

Sushilkumar also sent a well calculated cross from the right flank into the box but L Roshan Singh who connected the ball misfired.

Despite chances, neither side were able to make headway until P Naoba managed to outpace his marker and connected to a pass from near of the centre to bang in from a close range and sent the fans into frenzy in the 14th minute.

Stung by the sudden surge, KLASA worked hard to draw level but their efforts did not materialise due to lack of coordination among the midfield and the forwards.

N Momocha, however, had a fine attempt missed in the 18th minute as his shot hit the crossbar after the SSU custodian punched it out.

Amid their attempts to draw back, P Naoba rose yet again to convert a goalmouth melee in the 39th minute to put SSU 2-0 ahead.

KLASA FC almost pulled back a goal in the 44th minute but his shot went inches above the crossbar and had to enter into the break trailing behind by 2 goals.

After the changeover, the two sides kept the spectators engaged exchanging runs on the both sides but SSU looked more poised as A Nanao, L Roshan and P Naoba were relentless in creating chances.

Following a foul near the edge of the KLASA box, defender RK Robin, who was booked yellow card in the 54th minute, picked up another yellow card and was sent off a minute past the hour mark reducing the Keinou team to 10-man.The players protested for a while but the referee calmed the players down and the match eventually resumed.

The remainder of the game saw both teams making their best to add to their tally.

As neither side could find the target, confident SSU saw out the game 2-0 and booked the final berth.

Classic FA will play SU tomorrow in the other semi-final match from 2.15 pm .