Santosh Trophy Qualifiers (NE Zone) Johnson double steers Manipur to 3-0 win over Nagaland

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Nov 28 : Manipur got off to a flying start in the 75th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy NE Zone  (Group B) as they secure a comfortable 3-0 win over Nagaland here at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium this morning. The day also saw Mizoram kick off the qualifying round with a slender 1-0 win over Tripura.
Johnson scored twice in Manipur's big win today as Sudhir Laitonjam netted the other goal.
Manipur started positively and dominated earlier proceedings before racing ahead to a 1-0 first half lead.
What held back the fans today was Manipur's failure to capitalize despite getting plenty of scoring chances until Salam Johnson ended the goal drought in the 25th minute with a powerful shot from the left flank. It was a fine team move as midfielder Laitonjam Sudhir sent a perfect cross to Thokchom Manisana who nicely controlled the ball and set it up for Salam Johnson who rifled in a powerful shot to beat Nagaland custodian.
Despite Nagaland trying to get back into the game, Sudhir Laitonjam doubled Manipur's advantage in the 53rd minute before Salam Johnson rose again and completed his double in the 56th minute.
Manipur then held on to their lead till the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Mizoram beat Tripura 1-0 in an evenly matched game. The lone goal that earned Mizoram all three points was scored by Lalhriatpuia in the 42nd minute.
Manipur will play Tripura next on November 30 from 9.30 am at the same venue before Nagaland meet Mizoram from 2 pm.