Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 02:
Eight time finalist Manipur Police Sports Club (MPSC) has stormed into the final of 49th All India Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament defeating title contender Nambul Mapal Athletic and Cultural Organisation (NACO) 2-1 in the first semi-final played today.
Right from the start of the match NACO had slight edge over the cops making frequent forrays into the police half.
In the 23rd minute Jimmy attempted solo run into the MPSC penalty box was awarded with a penalty kick after defender Premkumar handled the ball in his attempt to foil Jimmy onslaught.
The penalty shot taken by Jimmy himself was easily saved by State goalkeeper of 60th Santosh Trophy fame O Ingobi thereby wasting the chance to take a lead.
NACO greed for early lead coupled with some rough play was awarded with four yellow card.
The cops attempt lead by experienced strikers I Nilkumar and Deskhumar to make inroads into NACO was successfully thrawted by agile NACO defenders at ease.
At the end of first half both the team remain goalless.
NACO was again awarded a penalty kick when Jimmy attempt to cut the goalkeeper in the 52nd minute inside the penalty box was obstructed by the goalkeeper himself.
This time Nepolean take the shot without making any mistake and take the lead 1-0.Shortly after the goal, MPSC found the equaliser five minute later when Kamand Rai attempt at the goal was deflected by goalkeeper Y Deepak charging Romen leaving the defenders on wrong foot who in turn make no mistake in guiding the ball home abd levelled the score 1-1.As the score was evenly poised both the team failed to capitalise on number of opportunities.