As many as 16 teams are taking part in the second AMFA Cup 2022-23 which got underway at Artificial Turf, Lamlong Thongkhong on Monday. The Kuki Sporting Club started off on a winning note, beating Kwasiphai Youths Volunteer Organisation by 4-2 goals in the opening match.
Manipur Olympic Association secretary general Sunil Elangbam along with Kshetrigao MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan attended the opening session and interacted with the players.
Shoving and aggression among the players ruled the early part of the game, resulting in yellow booking and awarding of a penalty shot as Kuki Sporting Club(KSC) fetched the first goal in the 40th minute of play from a penalty and Ginkholen Haokip converted to perfection for the lead.
The second half proved fruitful for Khwasiphai Youths as well when Lungdouba came up with the equaliser from a penalty kick in the 47th minute to level 1-1 goals. With the score even, both teams made cautious approaches, making occasional raids.
The KSC, escaping the off side traps, made a dash for the goal and it was substitute player Seigoumang Doungel who tapped home the second goal in the 68th minute.
Taking chances, Kwasiphai Youth swarmed out and got rewarded in the 83rd minute when goalscorer Lungdouba's powerful volley caught the keeper napping, to bring up the equaliser. In the dying moment of the game, KSC made a burst of attacks and were amply rewarded with Seineo Kuki in the 88th minute and Solomon Mangte in the 90th minute struck the winning goals.
KSC player Solomon Mangte and Kwasiphai Youths player T Udoy Singh were booked with yellow cards in the match.
