18th Manipur State League 2025-26 SDC’s late surge deny NEROCA FC all three points
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 25 : NEROCA FC, Sangakpham were held to a 2-2 draw as SDC, Samurou fought back from two goal down to salvage a point in the first playoff match for the remaining semi-final berth in the 18th Manipur State League 2025-26 at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong this afternoon.
The game started with a bang as NEROCA FC, who finished Group C runners up behind MPSC, found the lead in the opening minute itself as Khundongbam Philips delivered a freak goal.
Spirited NEROCA FC continued to dominate the earlier proceedings and doubled their advantage with Mustaf Aribam scoring in the 35th minute.
After trailing behind by 2 goals in the first half, SDC, who finished Group B runners up behind NMFA, returned to the game with Longjam Sheitam, who subbed in for Longjam Thomash after 39 minutes, finding the net to make it 1-2.
NEROCA FC looked to walk away with all three points but Shandham Abinash who also came off the bench after 39 minutes in place of Naorem Ronaldo scored two minutes from time to close the gap.
With the competition open again, the two sides fought for the winner but defence emerged on top and eventually the two sides shared a point apiece.
Group A runners up USA will play NEROCA FC in the next playoff match on February 27.
Notably, ESU, Wangkhei; NMFA, Salam and MPSC finished table toppers in the group stage to advance to the semi-finals and the remaining berth will be filled by the winners of the three-team playoff (round robin league) among USA, NEROCA FC and SDC.
IMPHAL, Feb 25 : NEROCA FC, Sangakpham were held to a 2-2 draw as SDC, Samurou fought back from two goal down to salvage a point in the first playoff match for the remaining semi-final berth in the 18th Manipur State League 2025-26 at Artificial Turf Ground, Lamlong Thongkhong this afternoon.
The game started with a bang as NEROCA FC, who finished Group C runners up behind MPSC, found the lead in the opening minute itself as Khundongbam Philips delivered a freak goal.
Spirited NEROCA FC continued to dominate the earlier proceedings and doubled their advantage with Mustaf Aribam scoring in the 35th minute.
After trailing behind by 2 goals in the first half, SDC, who finished Group B runners up behind NMFA, returned to the game with Longjam Sheitam, who subbed in for Longjam Thomash after 39 minutes, finding the net to make it 1-2.
NEROCA FC looked to walk away with all three points but Shandham Abinash who also came off the bench after 39 minutes in place of Naorem Ronaldo scored two minutes from time to close the gap.
With the competition open again, the two sides fought for the winner but defence emerged on top and eventually the two sides shared a point apiece.
Group A runners up USA will play NEROCA FC in the next playoff match on February 27.
Notably, ESU, Wangkhei; NMFA, Salam and MPSC finished table toppers in the group stage to advance to the semi-finals and the remaining berth will be filled by the winners of the three-team playoff (round robin league) among USA, NEROCA FC and SDC.