| United Pukhao lose steam in second half | ||
| MEMORIAL FOOTBALL | ||
Imphal, Aug. 27: The Progressive Youth Association players today sighed with relief after defeating United Pukhao Sporting Association by 3-2 goals in the Maharaj Ghanendrajit Memorial Super Division Football League Tournament played at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium. The Progressive players started with a bang today after K. Bungthoi provided the early lead in the 6th minute of the match. Md Manir Khan consolidated the lead just three minutes later. The United Pukhao men, however, fought back strongly and in the 22nd minute they came up with a surprise goal after Joseph Khongsai, running on the left flank, passed on the ball to N. Rustam Singh, who sent in a powerful shot to make it 1-2 in the first half. United Pukhao regained their momentum in the second half. They got some easy chances to level the score, but they squandered those opportunities with some loose shots. Their persistence was, however, rewarded in the 57th minute after Th. Nodiachand’s shot got deflected from the crosspiece and S. Naocha Singh struck home to net the equaliser. The Progressive side, in a quick counter attack, scored the winning goal after Bungthoi on the right goal-line sent a narrow cross to Md Abung, who, with a diving header, ruffled the net in the 66th minute. In the M. Ibobi Singh Memorial First Division Football League, Khetri Iril Mapal Youth Club blanked Rising Athletic Union by 3-0 goals. Imphal West football Dimapur Road Athletic Organisation defeated Youth Development Organisation by 3-1 goals in the 10th S. Birendra Singh Memorial Super Division Football League played at Thangmeiband Athletic Union ground. In another match, Kuki Sporting Club, New Lambulane, stunned Yaiskul Athletic Club 4-1. |
