Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05:
KVFA, Khurai blanked AYVFA, Yairipok 2-0 and VSA, Lilong Chajing downed IEFVA, Imphal East 3-1 in today's matches at the 6th Challenge Cup Veteran Football Tournament now underway at Mapal Kangjeibung.
After initial resistance from the Yairipok veterans KVFA surged ahead in the 20th minute following a quick one-two between A Tamphayai and L Minthang Vaiphei near the the opponent box.
Minthang found the mark with a K Nobin who missed a sitter at the half hour mark compensated for the error with a defence splitting through pass two minutes later from near the centre line that found an unmarked T Ibomcha for the second goal.
Sloppy defending marked the second match between VSA and IEVFA that produced as many three penalty awards with two successfully converted into goals, by each side while one missed the mark.
The first scoring opportunity for the Lilong Chajing veterans came as early the third minute when Imphal East defender L Takendro pulled down P Kumar inside the danger zone with the referee promptly pointing to the dreaded spot.
However, N Gunamani's attempt went wide.
Keeping up the match tempo, VFA made repeated inroads into the rival zone forcing a flag kick in the 30th minute.
The resultant flag kick taken by Y Khogen was loosely collected by IEVFA custodian L Takendra giving VSA's L Bipin enough time to pounce and slam home the opener.
Even though Muna Thapa beat the VSA 'keeper from the spot in the 50th minute for the equalizer, Bipin regained the lead with a 62nd minute strike as the same player sealed the match in VSA's favour off a penalty conversion two minutes later.