Gangtok, Jan 16: Nongkseh Sports Social & Cultural Club defeated former I-League side NEROCA FC of Manipur 4–0, securing a place in the semifinals of the 11th All India Chief Minister’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament at Jorethang, Sikkim.
Nongkseh entered the quarterfinal encounter without regular captain Hardy Cliff Nongbri, who was ruled out after sustaining a lip injury in the previous match that required two stitches. Despite the setback, the team displayed a disciplined and intensive performance from the opening whistle.
The breakthrough came early when Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw found the back of the net with a beautiful goal from a corner kick. Nongkseh continued to dictate play and their dominance was rewarded just before halftime as stand-in captain Fullmoon Mukhim delivered a perfectly judged lob to Kynsaibor Lhuid, who converted clinically to give his side a 2–0 lead at the interval.
Maintaining control in the second half, the third goal came after an error from the NEROCA FC goalkeeper, whose loose ball fell kindly to Batskhem Thangkhiew. The midfielder made no mistake, calmly placing the ball into the net with precision.
The victory was sealed with their fourth goal when Sheen Stevenson Sohktung found the scoresheet after meeting a brilliant cross from substitute Chanmitre Thma. Introduced in the second half in place of Shano Tariang, Thma made an instant impact with his creativity down the flank. Sohktung’s impressive all-round performance later earned him the Man of the Match award.
Defensively, Nongkseh remained solid throughout the contest, with goalkeeper Daraphun Talang making crucial saves when required. He was well supported by a resolute backline comprising Arlangky Nongsiej, Banpynkhrawnam Nongkhlaw, Banshkem Mawlong and Mickyson Tangsong, ensuring a well-earned clean sheet now in two games.
Following the quarterfinal victory, Nongkseh SS&CC will face local side Red Panda FC in the semifinal scheduled for January 18 at 2:00 PM IST.
Also Read: Meghalaya Assembly budget session likely from Feb 16-27, reservation policy report to be tabled
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
