Imphal, January 11: Following a one all draw in the last quarter final league match of the ongoing 47th All India sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament at Mapal Kangjeibung today, both United Sports Association (USA), Khurai and southern Sporting union (SSU), Singjamei have qualified for the semi final stage of the prestigious competition.

USA, already assured of the last four berth following its 1-0 win over Haokha Sports Association, Thoubal and 2-0 against Meghalaya League champion Poksheh Sports Club, Shillong topped group X with seven points while SSU secured the spot as second best team from amongst the three group quarter final qualifiers.

SSU had defeated HSA 6-1 and drew 1-1 with the Shillong club in its earlier quarter final league round engagements.

SSU had lifted the title in 2001 while had to be satisfied with the runners-up trophy in 1985 and 86 while USA who reached the final twice wrested the title on both occasion in 1973 and 1993.As predicted by a section of the spectator for the draw, the encounter hardly raised to any expectation receiving boos from the gallery at regular interval due to lethargic approach of both sides.

In the contest of former champions SSU shot into the lead through individual flair of mid-fielder Kanta, who wrong-footed opponent defenders ST Thangthang and P Romesh to slot past the helpless USA custodian in the 8th minute.

After USA onslaught to restore parity in the first session proved futile, K Herojit slammed home the equalizer 15 minutes into the second half as team-mate Ghanashyam's attempt took a deflection and reached the unmarked striker.

While Gora of USA collected his second consecutive yellow card booking in the tournament and will miss the January 13 semi final match, the match official also cautioned SSU defender Maikingai Kamei for feigning injury.

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