MSL: LYCC outscore NESU, set up final against NISA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 19 2024: Liwachangning Youth Cultural Club (LYCC) edged out North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU) in a thrilling penalty shootout to enter the final of the 16th Manipur State League 2023-24 on Sunday.

In a closely contested second semifinal, LYCC stole a march on their opponents towards the end of the first half and led for the next 45 minutes until NESU made it all square in injury time, setting up a nail-biting extra time in which both sides scored for a 2-2 deadlock on their way to a heart-stopping penalty shootout.- It was Khangembam Shi-taljit Meitei who put LYCC ahead when he found the back of the net in the 41st minute, heading into the second period.

After the break, it appeared as though LYCC would hold on to their slim advantage for a straight-forward semifinal victory, but NESU sprang a surprise at the fag end of injury time to force extra time.

With only a few seconds remaining in two minutes of added time, Yumnam Monis Singh rose to the occasion for NESU, firing a superb shot into the back of the net.

During the extra-time action, Md Ashif Khuleipham scored in the 105th minute to give NESU the upper hand, but LYCC responded in the 115th minute with Kenpha-shah Chinir on target to make sure the game went into penalty shoutout.

In the shootout, LYCC delivered on all of their five shots to snatch a thrilling 5-4 win courtesy of Chanambam Ronald Singh, Laishram Monish Singh, Khangembam Shitaljit Meitei, Chara Mon-gampha Moyon And Kenpha-shah Chinir.

In the final, LYCC will be up against NISA on May 19, 2024 at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.

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