16th Manipur State League : AFC become Group A runaway leaders with 2-0 win over MPSC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2024: The Athletics Football Club (AFC), Thoubal took an unassailable lead in 16th Manipur State League Group A competition by thumping Manipur Police Sports Club (MPSC) by 2-0 goals at DSA ground in Kakching.

Two back to back goals in the first half helped AFC end their group stage campaign with five wins in as many as 6 matches yesterday afternoon.

Akoijam Loyangamba put AFC in front after 38 minutes before Naorem Kishan doubled the advantage two minutes later.

AFC then saw out the game with the same margin despite MPSC trying to mount their way back into the game.

With the win, AFC took a five point lead against second placed LYCC, Chandel and 7 point lead against third placed MPSC.

Both LYCC and MPSC still have a match apiece left to play.

Earlier in a Group B match staged at Artificial Turf Ground, FC Lamjao fought from a goal down to salvage a 1-1 draw with Rahee United Club, Kamjong.

Rahee UC, who have been languishing in the rock bottom of the table without any point after 4 games, took the lead through S Johny Kom after 55 minutes but FC Lamjao rallied late to equalise the margin through Thounaojam Premkumar who came off the bench after the break.

Despite efforts from both ends to add to their tally, the scoreline remained unchanged and eventually ended up splitting a point apiece.

The result helped FC Lamjao remain at fourth place on 8 points in the 8-team table while Rahee continued to hold the bottom spot on 1 point.

In the second Group B match staged later at the same venue, NISA, Thangmeiband edged past Youth Organization Sporting Club (YOSC), Khurai by 2-1 goals for the third win in five matches and to climb to second in the group table on 10 points.

NISA took the lead after 28 minutes off a penalty converted by Lankao Henry Kamei before Laishram Binoy doubled the advantage one minute into the added time before the break.

YOSC, who were unlucky to make the most of their chances in the first half, managed to hold off NISA charges for a major portion of the second half while trying their best to cut the deficit.

Their efforts paid dividends late into the stoppage time (10+3') with Yumnam Harison finding the net.

Eventually NISA walked home 2-1 and dislodged YOSC from second spot.

The remaining matches of the tournament from May 3 have been deferred.

The All Manipur Football Association, which is organising the tournament, has issued a memorandum regarding the deferment of the tournament citing prevailing restive situation in the State.

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