RAU, KIYC, UDO cruise as Shinivash nets 3 in WAFA's dramatic late win
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 17 2025:
The 2nd Premier League 2025-26 served up a mix of commanding performances and late drama on Tuesday, with RAU, KIYC, and UDO securing comfortable victories while WAFA produced a remarkable comeback to snatch a 3-2 victory.
RAU demolish IYFC in Group A
RAU sent a strong message to their Group A rivals with a ruthless 6-1 demolition of IYFC, spearheaded by Moirangthem Somokanta's clinical brace.
The floodgates opened almost immediately when Ninthoujam Bikash capitalised on defensive disarray to slot home inside the opening minute.
Lamjingba Nongthombam doubled the advantage in the 13th minute with a composed finish, before Somokanta announced his presence with RAU's third in the 26th minute.
IYFC's first-half misery was compounded when Laishram Lucky Khuman made it 4-0 in first-half stoppage time (45+2 ), leaving the shell-shocked opponents staring at a mountain to climb.
The second half brought no respite as Leishising Tallanao added a fifth before Somokanta completed his double in the 78th minute with a precise strike.
Shougaijam Malemnganba's late consolation (90+2 ) did little to mask IYFC's defensive frailties.
KIYC overcome stubborn SU
KIYC needed patience before eventually overpowering SU 3-0 in a match that came alive after the interval.
The first half saw SU frustrate their more fancied opponents with disciplined defending, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute when Khumanthem Taibanganba reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box.
As SU's resistance faded, Afridi Buyamayum doubled KIYC's lead in the 79th minute before Yumnam Monis put the result beyond doubt six minutes later, capping off a flowing team move to make it 3-0 .
UDO stroll past DMRAO
UDO's blistering first-half performance proved enough to secure a 3-1 win over DMRAO, though they were forced to withstand a spirited second-half response from their opponents.
Salam Dhiren Meitei broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, setting the tone for UDO's dominance.
Thongam Pri-yaball added a second just before half-time (41'), before Irengbam Indrajit seemingly put the game to bed in stoppage time (45+2 ).
DMRAO emerged with renewed purpose after the break, and their persistence was rewarded when Ningthoujam Naresh reduced the deficit in the 72nd minute.
However, UDO's defence held firm thereafter to ensure their early dominance wasn't undone.
Shinivash hat-trick seals WAFA's dramatic late win
The day's most thrilling encounter saw WAFA recover from a goal down to edge AMOFA 3-2, with Shi-rom Shinivash delivering a match-winning hat-trick in a breathtaking second-half display.
AMOFA looked in control at half-time thanks to Hemam Samson's 24th-minute opener, but Shinivash transformed the contest after the interval.
The WAFA striker levelled in the 67th minute with a clinical finish before completing the turnaround just two minutes later, capitalising on defensive hesitancy to slot home.
AMOFA appeared to have salvaged a point when Konjengbam Newton converted a 76th-minute penalty, but Shinivash saved his best for last, firing home in the dying seconds of stoppage time to complete his treble and spark wild celebrations among his teammates.
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