Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 26:
Sagolband United (SU) and USA, Khurai won their respective first leg semi final matches of the 11th M Chittamani Singh Memorial Winners' Cup 2006 football tournament.
Playing at THAU ground as its home turf, SU came from behind to overwhelm TRUGPU, Nambol 4-2 with Dinesh converting a penalty in the 21st minute to neutralise the visitors' score opener netted by N Itocha, also from the penalty spot, in the opening minute.
Bijukumar's 39th minute strike off an Anand Kabui essay saw the Sagolband side double its score account before L Denny's 77th minute header opened up the SU advantage to 3-1 as it deflected off a TRUGPU defender.
The keenly contested game saw the Nambol side narrow the score deficit through Kh Naoton in the 84th minute as Herojit ensured SU pick full points with an injury time goal.
In USA's face-off against ASSA, Sangaiyumpham at the latter's home ground in Kodompokpi, L Romio scored the all important goal in the 72nd minute to place the Khurai side in an enviable position for the
second leg tie.