2nd CC Meet-2019 NEROCA ease into semis with 2-0 victory against MA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 30 2019: Defending champions, NEROCA FC are one step away from earning the title berth of the 62nd Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Football Tournament as they made themselves into the semi-final today with a 2-0 triumph against Muvanlai Athletics (MA) at Mapal Kangjeibung.

It were Khangam Horam and Varun Thokchom who did the scoring on the either side of the break to set up the 2-0 win for NEROCA FC, Sangakpham today. The Sangakpham side took off the game on a bright note and dominated the proceedings for the first twenty minutes with crisp passing and good communication among its forwards and midfield.

After being held off by MA, Kangpokpi defense for a while, NEROCA FC reaped rewards of their diligent efforts in the 25th minute when Khangam Horam tapped in connecting to a defense splitting pass from Chanso Horam around the edge of MA box and sent their fans into frenzy.

MA however started to make the most of the possession latter on, looking forward for a comeback but their moves to get themselves close to comfortable range failed to yield result as experienced defense line of NEROCA FC stood tall to deny any penetration.

MA winger Lunginthang took centrestage in their comeback effort as he created some chances but their attempts ended up on the side net or went wide.

NEROCA FC too created some chances in the latter part of the first half but MA keeper and defense were at their best to avert further scoring till the break.

After leading the first half 1-0, NEROCA FC looked to change their approach and played more with long balls and after exchanging few runs on both ends, NEROCA FC cemented their lead with Varun Thokchom converting a fine chance in the 77th minute after Boubocar Siaka Diarra who was unable to capitalise on few occasion, played him in with a measured pass.

MA who were under immense pressure with two goal deficit, pushed more men forward to cut the gap but it was a similar tale as in the earlier part of the game as NEROCA defense kept all threats at bay with ease to keep their lead intact till the final whistle.

NEROCA FC's custodian, L Bishorjit Singh who produced some heroic saves in his team's 2-0 victory was adjudged man of the match and feted with Rs 5,000 cash prize sponsored by Future Football Promoters.

TRAU FC will face Rajbari AC Guwahati for the last slot in the last four tomorrow from 1.45 pm at Mapal Kangjeibung.

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