ESU Wangkhei thrashed SFC by 5-1 goals to book their quarter final berth in the 12th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF Football Tournament 2021-22 played at Turf Ground, SAI Sports Complex, Takyel on Saturday.

The game picked up the momentum halfway through the first half with ESU gaining ground with P Naoba finally making a proper connection to the goal in the 34th minute and he went on to enjoy his new found confidence with his second goal in the 44th minute to post 2-0 goals lead.

Battling for survival in the tournament, SFC gave a push with all their remaining energy and finally was able to get the opening when P James netted home in the 68th minute to boost the team morale.

However, the ESU team propelled back with renewed vigor with P Naoba, yet again, finding his rhythm with his third goal in the 71st minute, to register his hattrick. Energised by the goal, ESU made a further attempt to the goal and it was the turn of Lunminhao who fetched the fourth goal in 87th minute and P Noaba brought up his fourth goal in the 88th minute for the resounding victory Saturday.

ESU players S Abinash, Th Radhakanta and SFC player Y Zidane got booked with yellow by referee Sh Suresh.

In the other pre-quarter final match, UKB Churchandupur beat XI Star Sporting Union, Akhampat by 3-1 goals to make their way to the quarter final.

UKB Churachandpur adopted attacking strategy from the start with Paolenlal making the opening goal in the 5th minute of play and later Seiminthang came up with the second goal in the 22nd minute to tighten their grip in the match.

With two goal lead, UKB managed their game with short passes to wean away time but XI Star SU seizing an opportunity, launched a counter attack and got rich dividends when Giftson struck a goal in the 86th minute. Jostled by the goal, UKB re-asses their move and in the 90th minute, they consolidated the scoreline with Lanminlun getting the third goal for the win.

UKB player Lanminlun and XI Star players Seilesh, Ojit got booked with yellow cards for dangerous play from referee L Priyobrata.