16th Manipur State LeagueLYCC edge out NESU 5-4 on penalties, to meet NISA in final
By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 19 : Liwachangning Youth Cultural Club (LYCC), Chandel will lock horns with NISA, Thangmeiband in the title clash of the 16th Manipur State League on May 22 at Artificial Turf Ground. The final match starts at 1.30 pm.
LYCC reached the final by beating North Eastern Sporting Union (NESU), Khurai 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw till the end of extra time of the second semi-final match of the 15-team tournament this afternoon.
The two sides were evenly poised in the regulation time and were locked at 1-1 to stretch the game to extra time as Yumnam Monis scored the equaliser late in the stoppage time (90+2') after Khangembam Shitaljit handed LYCC the lead in the 41st minute.
NESU reversed the lead one minute into the added time of the first period of extra time (105+1') but LYCC made their way back with Kenphashah Chinir drawing level in the 115th minute of the game.
With both teams failing to find the winner in the extra time as well, the winners were decided by penalty shoot-out.
In the shoot-out, Tongsin Bungring produced a fine save to deny Bilky Laitonjam and it made all the difference as Chanambam Ronald, Laishram Monish, Kh Shitaljit, Chara Mongampha Moyon and Kenphashah Chinir found the target from the spot for LYCC. Ngangbam Pacha, Ngathem Imarson, Md Ashif Khuleipham and Phijam Sanathoi in the meantime converted for NESU.