Hills United FC, Hills Academy in Robert Open Football Tournament final
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, February 20 2025: The semifinal matches of the ongoing 4th edition of the Lieut Col (late) Robert Open Football Tournament 2025 witnessed intense competition on Thursday, as teams fought fiercely for a place in the highly coveted finals.

With the stakes at their peak, players delivered exceptional performances, showcasing their skill and determination in pursuit of championship glory.

The tournament has ignited football fever across the district, drawing an overwhelming crowd of enthusiastic spectators of all ages and genders to the Senapati Astro Turf Ground since the semifinals commenced.

In the first semifinal, Sadar Hills FC faced off against Hills Academy.

The match opened with an early goal from Hills Academy's George, wearing Jersey No 9, in the 10th minute.

Sadar Hills FC responded in the 49th minute with an equaliser from Manglemboy, donning Jersey No 16.However, Hills Academy reclaimed the lead when Tyson, wearing Jersey No 5, netted the decisive goal in the 60th minute, securing their team's place in the final.

The second semifinal featured a clash between Hills United FC and.

Senapati FC.

Hills United FC struck first, with Lun (Jersey No 10) scoring in the 9th minute.

Senapati FC's supporters erupted in celebration when Lowly levelled the score at 1-1 in the 41st minute.

Senapati FC then took the lead in the 60th minute with a goal from Chinakho (Jersey No 16).However, a setback came for Hills United FC when one of their players received a red card, reducing their team to 10 players.

Despite the disadvantage, they showed remarkable resilience, equalising the score at 2-2 with a goal from Akbar in the 70th minute.

The decisive moment came in the 85th minute when Nawaz secured the victory for Hills United FC, making it 3-2.Senapati FC pushed hard for an equaliser but ultimately fell short, allowing Hills United FC to advance to the final.

In another significant moment of the tournament, the Senapati District Referee Association bid farewell to P Isreal Ngiimei, who retired from active refereeing.

Ngiimei, who enrolled as a referee with the All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) on November 30, 2013, was the first referee from Senapati district to receive a Rasi number that same year.

He also became the district's first official to officiate professional state league matches.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, the district referee association honoured him with a ceremonial guard of honour in full uniform, acknowledging his role in elevating refereeing standards and district football.

The final match of the 4th edition of the Lieut Col (late) Robert TA Open Football Tournament 2025 is set to take place on Saturday, February 22, where Hills Academy will face Hills United FC in a thrilling contest for the championship title.

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