Imphal, January 03: Two time former champion Southern Sporting union (SSU), singjamei will take on six time winners Manipur Police sporting Club (MPSC) in the final of the 49th All India Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation football tournament.

SSU laboured to a solitary goal win over reigning champion Tiddim Road Athletic union (TRAU) in the second semi final at Khuman lampak main Stadium today.

The summit clash scheduled for 1 pm of january 5 will be graced by the Governor Dr SS Sidhu and Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as the chief guest and president respectively.

Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya will be the guest of honour.

Locked in an absorbing battle today, the Tiddim Road outfit missed the service of its main striker S Sanatomba who had to sit out the tie following double-caution in the last quarter final clash.

While lack of sting upfront rendered most of the TRAU moves into futility, SSU grabbed the only real chance that came their way in the first half with L Shanta prodding home the only goal in the 15th minute. Shanta, himself fired a power-packed shot at the TRAU goal which was palmed out by L Thoi.

The resultant corner kick taken by Charan Rai found Shanta within striking distance which the latter only needed a gentle push to beat Thoi and seal the Singjamei side's berth in the final.

Earlier, at the onset both sides restraining from adventurous moves concentrated on territorial dominance and relied on quick counter-attacks.

Inspite of having slight advantage TRAU, who had lifted the prestigious title no less than five times, including the previous edition, failed to penetrate the well fortified Singjamei defence marshalled by the experienced pair of N Uttam and Th Ratan. In contrast, SSU striker missed a golden chance to increase the lead but Thoi stood tall preventing N Tiken and Charan Rai from finding the net.

SSU also had some anxious moment late into the match when defender N Indrakumar made a back-heel pass to the custodian whose timely action prevented possible embarrassment.

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