OMU, LASHAL sail through to last 8 in ESO Football Tournament

By Our Sports Reporter
Imphal, May 16: Old Men's United, Ghari got better off YWC, Langthabal by 5-4 goals in thrilling penalty shootout while LASHAL, Leimapokpam Khunpham registered 3-1 victory over ESO (B), Bamdiar and sailed through to quarterfinals of the 8th ESO Football Tournament 2019 organized by Education Social Organization (ESO) Club Bamdiar Makha Leikai at its ground today.
Inao gave YWC an early lead five minutes into the game in the first match of the day and maintained the lead for close to thirty minutes but Dayananda of Old Men's United sent in the equaliser in the 35th minute.
As both the team failed to produce the winning shot in the stipulated time, the match was dragged to kick from penalty mark to decide the winner.
However, Old Men's United emerged stronger mentally to beat YWC in the decider by 4-3 goals.
Benjamin, Khem, Umakanta and Dayananda scored for Old Men's United while Chungmei, Nanish and Bisworjit converted the penalty kick into goals.
In the second pre-quarter final match of the day, ESO (B) started with a bang when Bedashwor opened account two minutes into the game but their rousing start ended with a whimper after LASHAL fought back much stronger powered by Imran's equaliser in the 12th minute and two more goals through Pritam and Dayananda in the 31st and 37th minute to book a quarterfinal spot of the tournament.
Khoriphaba FC, Nambol will meet Thoiba FC, Thiyam Leishangkhong in the 5th pre-quarter final match tomorrow at 2 pm while KK United will take on ECHL, Bamdiar in the 6th pre-quarter final match later at 3.30 pm.