Classic FA brush aside NE United 3-0 in Reliance League
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 27 2025: Classic Football Academy (CFA) delivered a masterclass in attacking football, defeating North East United FC 3-0 in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) Zonal Round (North-East) at Wahiajer Multipurpose Sports Complex Stadium, Meghalaya, on Thursday.

Striker Bharat Lairenjam emerged as the hero, netting a first-half brace and a quickfire goal after halftime to secure a dominant victory for the visitors.

CFA's dominance began early, with Lairenjam opening the scoring in the 18th minute after capitalising on a defensive error.

The 22-year-old forward doubled the lead in stoppage time (45+2') with a clinical finish, then completed his hat-trick just two minutes into the second half (47'), slotting home a rebound to crush North East United's hopes of a comeback.

The hosts struggled to breach CFA's organised defence, failing to register a goal despite late pressure.

Bharat Lairenjam stole the spotlight with his precision and composure, marking his first hat-trick of the season.

CFA captain Yendrembam Rohit Singh controlled the midfield, while goalkeeper Aheibam Suraj Singh kept a clean sheet with crucial saves.

For North East United, skipper Fredy Chavnothansanga battled tirelessly but found little support in the final third.

North East United made aggressive substitutions, introducing forwards Hiti Seb and Vanlalchhuanga to inject pace, but CFA's backline, bolstered by Mutum Anish Singh in the second half, remained unyielding.

This win positions CFA just one point behind group leaders North East United (23 points) .

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