KSC vs Golngai FC in ZNNPJ Cup Final
Source: The Sangai Express

CCPur, February 13 2023: Kuki Sporting Club (KSC) and Golngai FC will clash in the final of the Zomi Nam Ni Platinum Jubilee Cup 2023 at Lamka Public Ground on Wednesday as Football 4 Change saw their spectacular campaign end in a tearful semi-final defeat to Kuki Sporting Club.

The high-tempo semi-final clash between Football 4 Change and Kuki Sporting Club today was an affair of youth and experience where the latter prevailed 2-1 to set up a final showpiece with Golngai FC on Wednesday (February 15, 2023) .

The highly anticipated match began in a typical big-match tempo with both sides playing a compact game affording just little space of attack for the opponents.

After a nervy opening minute, the first sight on goal arrived midway through the first-half as KSC midfielder Seineo Kuki struck the crossbar with his typical bullet free-kick. But the best goal-scoring opportunity of the opening period fell to Football 4 Change dazzling winger Manglenthang Singsit, who just sliced an effort just inches wide after being sent clear through on goal having only the goalkeeper to beat and the evenly contested first-half ended in a goalless but entertaining draw.

The second-half began with Football 4 Change taking better control of the game but it were Kuki Sporting Club who first opened the deadlock as Solomon Mangte rose highest to head home an inviting free-kick by Lungousem Kipgen in the 55th minute.

But KSC couldn't kept their lead intact for long as they were punished for their own defensive frailty when Ngulgoulal Singsit restored parity for Football 4 Change with a clinical finish in the 58th minute inviting wild celebration that almost made the stadium collapse in celebration.

Despite both sides surging forward in search of the winner, neither side succeeded until KSC's substitute Lunminthang's intervention made the difference as he pounced on a loose ball inside the crowded penalty box after F4C goalkeeper Pradum Gupta parried an effort into his path to restore lead for KSC just 13 minutes from time.

With time waning down, Football 4 Change threw everything forward in attack and they went really close to snatch a late draw but only for Manglenthang Singsit, who was seen limping throughout the second-half with apparent injury, to fire an effort off target twice in succession in stoppage time and the match ended 2-1 in favour of Kuki Sporting Club.

Golngai FC may be looking forward to lift the championship title which comes with a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh but the mood could very well be dampened by the sad demise of one of their players, Lunminthang in a road mishap at Nambol last night.

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