AFC, SAIRC run riot in 17th State League
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 28 2025: Athletics Football Club (AFC) and SAIRC both made light work of their opponents in Friday's clashes of the 17th Manipur State League 2024-25 at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.

AFC started the day with 6-1 thrashing of United Brothers FC (UBFC) 6-1 in a one-sided affair.

Wahengbam Tejkumar Meitei (No 7), AFC's captain, was the star of the match, netting a sensational quadruple to propel his side to victory.

AFC control early, with Tejkumar Meitei opening the scoring in the 17th minute, rifling a low d rive into the bottom corner.

AFC doubled their lead three minutes later as defender Suraj Wangkhem rose highest to head home from a corner.

Striker Md Iliyash Khan added a third in the 31st minute, capitalising on a defensive error to slot past UBFC's stand-in goalkeeper Soror Luthui.

UBFC briefly rallied after halftime, with Zakyuishang Shipo pulling one back in the 58th minute with a clinical finish.

However, AFC's captain Tejkumar Meitei swiftly extinguished any hopes of a comeback, completing his hat-trick with goals in the 40th and 59th minutes, before collecting his fourth goal deep into stoppage (90+4') to seal the win in style.

Later in the day, SAIRC delivered a commanding performance, sweeping to a resounding 5-0 win against KLASA.

The scoring opened early as Bless Vashum calmly converted a 5th-minute penalty to set the tone.

Ngairangbam Jarish Singh doubled the advantage in the 20th minute with a composed finish, before Kharibam Pravananda Meitei extended the lead to three goals with a clinical strike in the 37th minute.

After the interval, Robert Thokchom added a fourth in the 63rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home.

Oinam Romio Singh then sealed the comprehensive victory with a late 83rd-minute goal, capping off a dominant team display.

SAIRC's fluid attacking play and disciplined defence left KLASA with little room to respond, ensuring a thoroughly deserved three points for the former.

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