Manipur’s Neroca Football Club became the first team from the North-East to enter the final of the Durand football tournament when they emphatically overcame DSK Sivajians 3-0 in the semi-final of th
Manipur’s Neroca Football Club became the first team from the North-East to enter the final of the Durand football tournament when they emphatically overcame DSK Sivajians 3-0 in the semi-final of the oldest football competition in the country here on Friday.
Neroca’s goals came from striker Sushil Singh (34th min penalty), midfielder Malemngnanba Metei (65th min) and substitute Anand Kumar Singh (90+4).
Shivajians started briskly and put pressure on the Manipur outfit but their shooting was wayward. Without regular striker Kim Song Yong, they had no leader in attack. Neroca were compact in defence. Central defender Govin Singh and Dhananjoy stood out.
Against the run of play Neroca went ahead in the 34th minute. DSK’s lanky central midfielder Rohit Kumar slid in from behind and tripped Neroca striker Subash Singh to concede a penalty that Sushil converted. In the second half, right back Ashok Singh sped down the right and sent a measured cross which Sushil chested behind to the top of the box and and left midfielder Metei took a first time that sizzled into the corner of the net.
DSK had a few chances but substitute Kim Song who broke the off side trap went wide and striker Lalawmpuia sliced his shot wide after Neroca goalkeeper Lalit Thapa dropped the ball.
In added time, Subash Singh dribbled two defenders on the right and crossed for substitute midfielder Anand to volleyed in.
