1st ANSAM Martyrs' Trophy : PNTM, TKS, LKK and STS progress into semis

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 17 : The semi-final line up of the ongoing 1st ANSAM Martyrs' Trophy Football Tournament was completed today with Poumai Naga Tsiidoumai Me (PNTM), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) and Lamkang Kurchuknao Kunpun (LKK) making the cut.
In the first quarter final match of the tournament PNTM edged out Anal Lelruwl Tangpi (ALT) 2-1 to book a semi-final ticket at Sports Complex, Chandel Christian.
PNTM were leading 1-0 till the break with Chinakho goal in the 34th minute but things turned around when ALT came to level term with SR Kagaly converting a penalty kick in the 65th minute.
ALT's hope of taking the game to penalty shoot-out however was quashed when Riverson conceded an own goal in the 70th minute and eventually PNTM saw out the game 2-1.
Later in the second quarter final match, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong rode on Khanngam Horam treble to knock Liangmai  Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR) out 4-0.
TKS took off the game on a positive note with star of the match Khanngam opening the account in the 23rd minute before Wangngayam M scored another in the first minute of first half's added time to make it 2-0 till halfway.
Khanngam then took charge of the TKS attack in the second half and pumped in two more goals (40', 60') to complete his treble and 4-0 rout of LNKR.
Meanwhile in the third quarter final match of the tournament, Renghon double inspired Lamkang Kurchuknao Kunpun (LKK) a 4-1 win over Thiimziih Teen Bujuur Ruwrkhek (TTBR).
The two sides were locked at 1-1 till the break with Bedeenpaar scoring the equaliser for TTBR after Renghon had gave LKK the lead in the 10th minute.
LKK however surged ahead after the break with Bungpem breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute before Renghon scored his second to give LKK a two goal cushion.
Anand sealed the deal for LKK in the 53rd minute as TTBR's effort to cut the gap did not materialise.
Later in the fourth quarter final encounter, Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe (STS) beat Chothe Athourul Ngei Abom (CANA) 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Y Sonam drew first blood for CANA in the 5th minute but W Wisefine pulled level for STS in the 56th minute with a clinical shot.
With the sides failing to grab the winner, the match was decided via kicks from the penalty mark where in STS emerged 5-4 victorious with Sh Marconi, TS Damme, Sh Sepberngam, W Strongngam and Th Milan all finding the target. For CANA, only Y Daimus, Y Rengshem, Kh Ahong and Y Sonam netted from the spot to go down 5-6 (4-5 in penalties).
PNTM will play TKS in the first semi-final tomorrow from 12 pm before LKK take on STS in the second semi-final match from 2 pm.
The final match is scheduled on June 19.