65th CC Meet : AIM upset ESU in five-goal quarterfinal thriller, SSU outlast Rahee UC 4-3 on penalties
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 16 2026: The quarter-finals of the Babina Group 65th Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Football Tournament 2025-26 being underway at Mapal Kangjeibung exploded into life with two fiercely contested matches, headlined by a five-goal thriller and a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw.

The first quarterfinal match of the tournament between Anouba Imagi Mangal (AIM), Khabam and Eastern Sporting Union (ESU), Wangkhei Palace Compound produced a breathless, attacking masterclass filled with shifting momentum and clinical finishing.

AIM broke the deadlock early, with forward Ningthoujam Dhanaraj finding the target just five minutes into the game.

ESU responded swiftly, drawing level through Naorem Kaba in the 38th minute.

After a 1-1 deadlock at halftime, AIM restored their lead when Saikhom Abinash beat the ESU custodian in the 62nd minute.

ESU, who previously knocked out RAU 2-0, fought back bravely with a series of attacking runs but were met with stiff resistance from the AIM backline.

The AIM defenders continued to frustrate a relentless ESU offense with timely tackles and interventions.

To their delight, second-half substitute Laishram Khorish-who replaced Sapam Topper after the break-further solidified the lead with a clinical finish two minutes into stoppage time.

ESU responded immediately, reducing the deficit to 2-3 through Taj Khan the very next minute.

However, they failed to find an equalizer in the remaining four minutes of added time as AIM held onto their lead with style to walk away as 3-2 winners.

The second quarter-final clash between Rahee UC, Kamjong and Southern Sporting Union (SSU), Singjamei was also an end to end encounter, finally settled by absolute nerves of steel from the penalty spot as the two sides remained locked at 1-1 till the end of regulation time.

SSU, who edged out SSC, Sekta 2-1 in the pre-quarterfinals, went 1-0 up against Rahee UC with Md Shuaib capitalising on an 11th minute chance.

Rahee UC left it late to equalize, courtesy of a 75th-minute strike by Maiya Ningshen that stretched the game to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Konthoujam Monex, Okram Rohit, Khumanthem Hemlet, and Maisnam Biken successfully converted their spot-kicks for SSU.

Their custodian, Naorem Kiranjit, then produced two brilliant saves to secure the 4-3 victory.

For Rahee UC, only Chihammi Kharay, Thuisem Rashadang, and Thanwor Vasha found the target, as Kiranjit successfully blocked the attempts of Ngakuimi Ruivah and Moirangthem Manisana.

With the win, SSU set up a semi-final date with AIM .

Utlou FC will play SDC, Samurou in the next quarterfinal match tomorrow from 1 pm before USA, Khurai face Sainik FC from 3.30 in the last quarterfinal encounter.

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