5th Sangai Trophy: VSAI, EMVFC progress into semis
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 28 2024:
VSAI, Thangmeiband and EMVFC, Lamlai progressed into the semi-finals of the 5th Sangai Trophy Veteran Football Championship being organised by the United Veteran Football Association, Manipur.
In the first quarter final match of the tournament staged this afternoon at PAMYAL ground, Patsoi, VSAI defeated NKVFC, Utlou 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the regulation time.
NKVFC found the lead through S Somananda in the 25th minute but VSAI cancelled out the lead 7 minutes later through S Santa.
As the two teams failed to find the difference, the match was stretched to kick from the penalty mark wherein VSAI 's N Rajesh, S Manimohon, L Ratan, P Romesh and Th Sanjoy all found the target against three converted for the Utlou team by Ch Ojit, Y Dijendra and Kh Shubhachandra.
In the second quarter final match staged later in the day at the same venue, EMVFC also came out victorious by 3-1 goals in the shoot-out after playing out a 1-1 draw with Keishamthong FC in the regulation time.
Y Dhanashyam had given EMVFC the lead in the 28th minute but Keishamthong FC equalised through M Sanjitkumar 3 minutes into the added time before the break (30+3') .
As the teams remained on level peggings throughout the game, the winners were decided via penalty shoot-out wherein W Shyambabu, Kh Suresh and Th Ramananda found the target to seal the 4-2 overall victory.
Only M Bimolchandra was able to beat the EMVFC keeper in the shoot-out for Keishamthong FC.
UVSA, Lilong will play Langthabal FC in the third quarterfinal tomorrow from 1.30 pm at PAMYAL ground before IVFA, Singjamei play MLVFA, Mayai Lambi from 3 pm in the last quarterfinal match.