Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14:
Southern Sporting Union (SSU), Singjamei and Citizen's Club, Soibam Leikai will clash in the final of the 47th All India Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football tournament 2003-04 at Mapal Kangjeibung on January 17 at 1 pm.
MPSC paid the price for missing several scoring opportunities in the second semi final match today as SSU equalized during added period and emerged winner in the tie-breaker at 4-2 after the 1-1 regulation time draw.
The clash of former champions gave the nearly filled Mapal Kangjeibung stadium spectators an on the seat-edge experience as moves were matched by counter-offensive with the police side holding slight edge over their Singjamei opponent.
While MPSC shot into the lead in injury period of first half SSU replied in the same manner after the break prompting tie-breaker to decide the finalist.
After MPSC missed scoring chances in the first half initiated mainly through I Nilakumar who consistently troubled the SSU defender with his swift run down the flank, the police side opened the score account through Th Chandramohan who pounced capitalized on the opponent custodian's blunder in collecting an attempt from S Gouridas from near the centre.
Resuming the second half with renewed vigor the Singjamei outfit launched an all out offensive to restore parity but goalkeeper H Noren proved a hard nut to crack under the bar.
The determined SSU effort bore fruit one minute into stoppage time as a throw-in from the left by substitute Rishikanta deep into the police danger zone reached Gaichungam.
The latter's cracking drive from the edge of the box ricocheted off the far post but another new entrant Raman found the mark for the equalizer bringing cheers from the stand that was dominated by the Singjamei supporters.
Police aspiration for recording an outright win suffered a major jolt as Nilakumar received the marching order for two collecting second bookable offence two minutes after conceding the equalizer to SSU.
In the penalty shoot-out, SSU custodian Narkanta parried the attempt of S Gouridas while Ch Shyamchand and Kamal Rai's shot went out.
Only Th Rohen managed to score for MPSC.
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