AFC, NESU cruise to fourth win in 16th Manipur State League
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 29 2024: The Athletics Football Club (AFC), Thoubal blanked United Brothers FC (UBFC), Ukhrul 3-0 as North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU), Khurai edged past TRAU FC 2-1 to register fourth wins in the ongoing 16th Manipur State League.

Taking on UBFC in a Group A match at Artificial Turf Ground, Khuman Lampak this afternoon AFC, who had won thrice after their first game loss, went into the break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a clinical finish from Akoijam Loyangamba in the 26th minute.

After the break AFC kept searching for goals and doubled their advantage after 60 minutes through Laishram Roshan before Nongmaithem Sushilkumar dug four minutes into the stoppage time to net the third goal against hapless UBFC.

Elsewhere at DSA Ground, NESU, who had won thrice and drew once to remain unbeaten in their group (B) campaign, and TRAU started cautiously and entered into the break goalless.

NESU however ended the goal drought through Phijam Sanathoi in the 55th minute before TRAU rallied to cancel the lead through N Rishi in the 63rd minute.

The parity did not last long as NESU regained the lead the next minute through Khundom Umakanta and the team denied TRAU's comeback to see off the game 2-1 .

In the second Group A match of the day staged at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong, NEROCA FC edged past Sang-gai Football School (SGFS) by 2-1 goals.

The second win for the Sangakpham team was assured by Laishram Suraj who converted a penalty in the 30th minute after Wahengbam Amekar had opened the scoring in the 14th minute.

SGFS who were clueless for almost throughout the goal were able to score a consolation goal through substitute Naorem Rohijit five minutes into the stoppage time (90+5') .

Meanwhile in the second Group B match staged at Kakching DSA ground, Nambul Mapal Athletic and Cultural Organisation (NACO) posted their second victory in five matches by beating Young Physiques Union (YPHU), Lalambung 1-0 .

The lone goal that settled the game was scored by Tensubam Sekhar in the 54th minute.

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