Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21 2010:
Manipur blanked Jammu and Kashmir 2-0 while Punjab hammered minnows Gujarat 10-1 to emerge their cluster toppers and set up a prequarterfinal clash in the 64th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy on Tuesday.
Manipur sailed into the last-16 round with goal in each half by Jotin Singh (16th) and Malemnganba Singh (82nd) at Khardah Stadium.
Manipur emerged as the group toppers with six points and will take on Punjab in an exciting pre quarter final match, while J&K went home without garnering a point from their two matches.
Punjab and Manipur will lock horns at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in their pre-quarters clash on July 22 .
In the cluster III match at Mohun Bagan ground, Amandeep Batra struck thrice in 29th, 30th and 66th minute, while Praveen Kumar (23rd and 40th) and Balwant Singh (74th and 79th) scored two each to lead the goal glut.
In another match of the same cluster, Nagaland's thumping 6-0 win over Puducherry at Howrah Stadium was not enough as Punjab finished cluster III toppers with nine points from three matches.
Having bowed to Punjab 0-1 in their last outing, Nagaland made an exit finishing second with six points in their cluster.