KLASA Keinou drubbed NACO Nambul Mapal by 3-0 goals to pick up full point in the 63rd Sir Churachand Singh KCSI, CBE Memorial Invitation Football Tournament 2021-22 organised by AMFA at Artificial Turf, Lamlong Thongkhong.
KLASA Keinou, who was recently crowned the champion of 14th Manipur State League, relatively had an easy outing against the Nambul Mapal team, who the former seems to be quick for them.
The ever dependable Lunminlen proved to be too witty for the NACO team as he snake through the defence to bring up the opening goal in 13 minute for the lead in the first half. Though Nambul Mapal did make them shy to the goal, their shots were far from satisfactory.
With little distraction coming from its opponent, KLASA Keinou increased the lead when N Momocha came up with the second goal in 59 minute and seemed to be running away with the win. Goalscorer Lunminlen once again proved his mettle when he struck the winning goal in the injury time of 90 plus 2 minute for the victory on Friday.
KLASA player A. Rakesh and NACO players Premjit, Kh Rajnikanta got a yellow card from referee Rk Angousana for rough tackle.
In the other matches of the day, TRAU FC Kwakeithel beat Oriental Club by 4-2 goals, to garner full points.
Oriental Club proved to be a hard opponent as TRAU FC learnt in the first half play as the former came up with the opening goal from Aimsochituang in 13 minute. But making amends of its slackness, TRAU FC soon came up with the equaliser from E Santosh in 17 minute.
Pulling up their socks, TRAU FC landed many raids and eventually got the reward when Wungsungngam fetched the second goal in 25 minute for the lead. However, the unassuming Oriental Club, makes TRAU FC run for their money when Alan Hyungyo bagged the equaliser in 32 minute to level 2-2 goals in the first half.
With tempo hotting up in the second half for the all important goals, TRAU FC created many chances but got lucky in the 86 minute with Bishal Robidas fetching the winning goal. Oriental Club had to curse their luck as goalscorer Alan Hyungyo was given the marching order with a red card from double caution in 62 minute by referee N Ibungo, reducing them to ten men on the field.
TRAU FC players Th Naresh, Bebekanta, Bishal and Oriental Club players Yuingam got yellow cards for dangerous play.
The last match saw Mao FC beat DFA Moreh by a solitary goal to bag a full point. Both teams displayed a casual approach to the game and none could not capitalise to some of the open chances, shooting overheads or feeble shots, to deny them a goal.
As if the match was going for a drawn result, Mao FC was lucky enough to convert a goal resulting from a goalmouth melee in the injury time of 90 plus 3 minute with A. Manihrii netting home the winning goal. DFA Moreh player N Meerun was booked with a yellow card by referee N Haokip.
In Saturday's matches, RAU Lairikyengbam Leikai will face UBSA Mantak at 11.45 am while Pamyal Patsoi to take on XI Star Sporting Union, Akhampat at 2.15 pm.
