AFC Thoubal stunned MPSC Police HQ by 2-1 goals to collect full points in the 14th Manipur State League 2021 played at Artificial Turf Lamlong Thongkhong, Imphal East on Wednesday.
The AFC team wasted no time to make their presence felt in the game as they stormed in the Police barricade to thunder home the opening goal from W Daniel Singh in the 1st minute of play. Stunned by the goal, MPSC failed to reciprocate in the same tone and thus had to make frequent moves, which failed to provide any relief in the first half play.
However, in resumption of the second half, MPSC team reworked their strategy and finally got rewarded when Lalsemthang chipped in with the equaliser in the 47 minute to level 1-1 goals.
With the score even, it was anyone's game and AFC’s untiring efforts of making use of the flanks paid off in the 85th minute with Th Thomas Singh pushing home the winning goal, much to the dismay of the policemen. Manipur Police player L Rishikanta Singh was booked with a yellow card by referee N Bijen Singh.
In the second match, UKB Churachandpur held on NACO Nambul Mapal by 1-1 goals to share a point each. Nekmin John put ahead UKB in the 15th minute of play to enjoy the first half play. But NACO jumped back into the fray with Chotshering fetching the equaliser in 65th minute for the drawn result.
NACO players Sameer Pradhan, S Amitkumar, N Somokanta and UKB player Zamtinkhup, Lalminlian received yellow cards from referee T Ranjita Devi for rough tackles.
On Thursday, TRAU FC will meet Neroca FC in the first ground at 12.15 pm while Sagolband United will take on KLASA FC in the second match at 2.15 pm.
