Sagolband United booked their semi final berth beating UKB Churachandpur by 7-5 goals during penalty shootout in the 12th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF Football Tournament 2021-22 played at Artificial Turf, SAI Sports Complex, Takyel.
Sagolband United were superior in their approach but they let down their guard in the second half giving ample opportunity to the UKB team to make a comeback and drew parity to the scoreline, needing the kicks from the penalty mark to decide the game. UKB at one point of time, let four of their players lurk in the opponent goalmouth, pushing Sagolband United to their own territory.
Sagolband United struck as early as 4 minute of play from Premananda Singh to enjoy the lead in the first. Though lack of proper rest among the players was evident from simultaneous outings in MSL and the ongoing tournament, risking injury seems the major worry for the teams, which led to toning down in their approach.
Halfway through the second half, Sagolband United made their moves in a cautious manner and brought up the second goal from Paokhongam in 64 minute to take upper hand in the game. With two goals in their kitty, Sagolband United tried to wean away their time but UKB caught up the moment and landed numerous attacks and made the breakthrough in 79 minute with Kamsanglian getting the opening goal.
With a mindset for all out attack, UKB made further raids and their effort paid off when Paolenlal brought up the equaliser in 90 minute to level 2-2 goals for the tie break.
Sagolband United converted all five kicks from Seilenlal, Henry, Christopher, Basanta, Premananda while UKB, Lanminlan, Singson, Mangkholen found the target while Lanminlun missed the goal.
Three Sagolband United players Paokhongam, I Aboy, N Radhakanta and UKB players Mangkholen, Lalminlun, Manglenboi got yellow cards from referee N Priyo.
In the last quarter final match, YUFC beat ESU Wangkhei by 2-0 goals to sail into the semi final. Both goals for YUFC came in the second half with Ayat Chiphang getting the opening goal in 52 minute while Rungsing Muinao fetched the winning goal in 90 plus 4 minute. ESU players Th Radhakanta and Arif Hussain received yellow bookings in the match.
The semi final matches of the tournament will be played on Sunday with KSC Kangpokpi taking on Sagolband United at 10.30 am while YUFC will face Classic FA at 1.30 pm.
