MSL : ESU edge USA 2-1 for seven win on trot, become Group A winners
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 23 : Eastern Sporting Union (ESU), Wangkhei Palace Compound are into the semi-finals of the 18th Manipur State League as they edged past USA, Khurai for seven of seven league round victories this afternoon at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.
In the crucial top of the table contest, USA, who were also unbeaten in last 6 games including a draw, conceded two goals to clinical ESU in the first half before going down 1-2 despite their relentless comeback attempt.
ESU, coming off from 3-2 win against FC Raengdai, found the lead early in the 15th minute as star midfielder Taj Khan scored his 7th goal of the competition in seven matches before his compatriot Naorem Kaba, who had scored thrice in 6 previous matches, found this fourth goal and made it 2-0 after 42 minutes.
USA who missed their chances in the opening half halved the deficit in the 62nd minute through Chanam Akash Meitei but they failed to equalise despite weaving a series of attempts as the ESU defence stood firm to deny any chances in the scoreline.
Eventually, ESU topped the Group A table on 21 points and earned direct entry to the semi-finals alongside Group B winners NMFA and Group C winners MPSC.
Group A runners up USA still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals as they face Group B runners up SDC and Group C runners up NEROCA FC in another round robin league competition for the one remaining semi-final berth.
NEROCA FC will play SDC in the first match of the additional league round on February 25 before USA play NEROCA FC on February 27 and SDC play USA on March 1.
All the matches are scheduled at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thngkhong and will start at 2.30 pm.
IMPHAL, Feb 23 : Eastern Sporting Union (ESU), Wangkhei Palace Compound are into the semi-finals of the 18th Manipur State League as they edged past USA, Khurai for seven of seven league round victories this afternoon at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong.
In the crucial top of the table contest, USA, who were also unbeaten in last 6 games including a draw, conceded two goals to clinical ESU in the first half before going down 1-2 despite their relentless comeback attempt.
ESU, coming off from 3-2 win against FC Raengdai, found the lead early in the 15th minute as star midfielder Taj Khan scored his 7th goal of the competition in seven matches before his compatriot Naorem Kaba, who had scored thrice in 6 previous matches, found this fourth goal and made it 2-0 after 42 minutes.
USA who missed their chances in the opening half halved the deficit in the 62nd minute through Chanam Akash Meitei but they failed to equalise despite weaving a series of attempts as the ESU defence stood firm to deny any chances in the scoreline.
Eventually, ESU topped the Group A table on 21 points and earned direct entry to the semi-finals alongside Group B winners NMFA and Group C winners MPSC.
Group A runners up USA still have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals as they face Group B runners up SDC and Group C runners up NEROCA FC in another round robin league competition for the one remaining semi-final berth.
NEROCA FC will play SDC in the first match of the additional league round on February 25 before USA play NEROCA FC on February 27 and SDC play USA on March 1.
All the matches are scheduled at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thngkhong and will start at 2.30 pm.