Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 14:
NEROCA, Laipham Khunou and Soibam Leikai outfit Citizens' Club registered contrasting wins in their respective group matches of the 49th All India Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
Former champion of the prestigious tournament Neroca facing UBSA, Mantak in a group C league tie drew first blood with a well executed free kick by M Robin from the top of the rival box in the 19th minute.
Even as K Nilen Kom restored parity for UBSA six minutes later, Robin's second goal of the match in the 38th minute regained the Neroca lead.
After the change of ends, goals from S Manimohan (49th) and H Doren (54th) put the match beyond UBSA's reach.
Citizens' Club win against AMOFA, Moirang in the group D showdown came via the sudden death as regulation period and tiebreakers ended with neither sides able to upstage the other.
Following 1-1 draw at the end of normal time, four players each from either side could convert their shots into goal from the penalty spot as one from the Citizens' Club was saved by the opponent custodian while an Amofa attempt went out.
The sudden-death shoot-out also went head to head with two goals each and one from either side failing to find the mark till the fourth attempt taken by Citizens' Th Ibomcha beat the Amofa 'keeper while that of K Kesho went abegging resulting in the Soibam leikai side triumphing at 8-7.