FC Raengdai, SSU in 16th Shaheed Manoranjan Memorial Football Tournament semis

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Feb 13 : Former Premier League champions, FC Raengdai, Noney and reigning champions of the 3rd Premier League SSU, Singjamei progressed into the semi-finals of the 16th Shaheed Manoranjan Singh Memorial CRPF Football Tournament with contrasting wins today at SAI Takyel Football ground.
In the third quarterfinal match of the 16-team tournament and the day’s first,  FC Raengdai sealed a 2-1 comeback win against ESU, Wangkhei Palace Compound to book their semi-final ticket.
Naorem Kaba put ESU ahead in the 14th minute but FC Raengdai rode on Ningthoujam Abungton’s 51st minute goal to draw level before Soraisham Surjakanta snatched the winner in the final minute of the game.
In the final quarterfinal match, late goals guided SSU 3-0 past Milan FA, Keibi.
SSU and Milan FA were evenly poised in the first half but neither team were able to find the breakthrough.
The goal drought persisted even as the two sides intensified their campaign until Yumnam Surchandra broke the deadlock in the 70th minute. SSU did not look back following the inspiring goal and doubled their advantage through L Lemba in the 74th minute before Kh Hemlet converted a penalty 2 minutes into the stoppage time to complete the 3-0 rout of Milan FA.
The tournament is being organised by 86 Bn CRPF in collaboration with the All Manipur Football Association.