Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 10:
Registering a convincing 2-0 win over Eastern Sporting Union Wangkhei (ESU) at Mapal Kangjeibung today, Manipur Police Sports Club (MPSC) have entered into the semifinal of the 47th All India Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament 2003 by virtue of being winners of Group Z.With both the teams adopting the 4-4-2 formation, the match began in a very fast pace with both teams trying to find the opener.
MPSC prolific strikers Nilakumar and Chandramohan made repeated forays into the ESU's goalmouth breaking down its defence but could never find the elusive opening goal thus making the first half goalless.
In the second half ESU came out with an attacking game plan and launched a series of attacks at the MPSC's goal with its experienced player MK Mathew acting as the attacking midfielder but without any fruitful result as the MPSC hardworking defenders proved to be a hard nut to crack.
The opening goal came in the 58 minute of the match when Th Chandramohan after dribbling past a couple of ESU defenders sent in measured cross from the right flank to I Nilakumar who made no mistake in putting the ball into the left side of the net to make the scoreline 1-0 in favor of MPSC.
Stung by the reverses, ESU put more men upfront and launched series of attacks at the opposition's goal in its bid to find the equalizer.
Taking advantage of the weakness in the ESU defence, MPSC players also launched several counter attacks at the ESU's citadel in their attempt to increase the one goal lead.
MPSC further increased the lead in the 87 minute when Rohen scored with a grounder after dribbling past two ESU defenders just outside the penalty area.