SSU down NACO 3-2 as MA, NESU split points
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 20 2022:
Southern Sporting Union (SSU) fended off Nambul Mapal Athletic & Cultural Organisation (NACO) as the game between Muvanlai Athletics and North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU) was all square in the 15th Manipur State League on Tuesday.
SSU capitalised on two penalty kicks to beat NACO 3-2 at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.
From the start, both teams showed intent with a flurry of attacks and counter attacks but it was SSU who emerged as the better side in the first-half contest.
After sweating it out for much of the first 45 minutes, SSU's first goal finally arrived in the 33rd minute via a penalty kick.
It was Naorem Sanjiv Singh who stepped up and scored from the spot.
Buoyed by the goal, SSU kept the pressure on their opponents and their tactic soon paid dividends in a matter of seven minutes.
Yumnam Joychandra's sublime strike in the 40th minute doubled SSU's lead before Ngairangbam Rakesh gave a lifeline to NACO with a 45th-minute goal.
After the break, SSU restored their two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute courtesy of a penalty conversion by Ningombam Kabiraj Singh.
Seven minutes later, NACO reduced the deficit through Golmei Apu Kabui but their spirited efforts in the remaining minutes proved futile as SSU held on to seal the victory.
Earlier in the day, Muvanlai Athletics and NESU played out all draw.
After a frustrating goalless first period, NESU gained the upper hand in the 76th minute after Bilky Laitonjam was on target.
Muvanlai fought hard and finally found the leveller just before the clock struck the 90-minute mark as Samson Haubiakmuan's effort in the 89th minute eventually salvaged a 1-1 draw for his team.
On September 23, YPHU will be up against UKB as AFC take on MPSC.