NISA qualify for Federation Cup final round qualifiers

Duliajan (Assam), Nov 22 : North Imphal Sporting Association (NISA) defeated Arhima Club of Meghalaya 2-1 in the extra-time to emerge champions in Group D (North-East Zone) knock-out phase and make it to the next round of Federation Cup football qualifiers here.

Arhima defenders gave NISA a tough fight in the first half till in the 44th minute when Mani Mohan Singh scored to give the lead for the Imphal club.

Down 0-1, the Meghalaya side tried their best to bring the match on an even keel and their efforts bore fruit when Stevenfield Lenong scored the equaliser in the 77th minute.

The 1-1 stalemate prevailed in the full time and it was in the eighth minute of the extra time that NISA converted a penalty to settle the issue.

Thomas Singh converted the penalty after an Arhima defender handled the ball.