MANIPUR LEAGUE
Imphal, Oct. 17: North Imphal Sporting Association (NISA) held FC Zalen to a 2-2 draw to share a point each in the 11th Manipur State League at Mapal Kangjeibung here today.
North Imphal have played seven matches in the league and have 14 points while FC Zalen have 13 from as many matches.
The North Imphal team started the onslaught early, getting a penalty opportunity after Y. Ibomcha was brought down by the Zalen keeper within five minutes of play.
However, North Imphal skipper S. James Singh's shot was saved by keeper Hmangte Damkhupreng diving to his left to render the first half goalless.
Resuming in the second half, NISA increased the tempo and got the breakthrough in the 75th minute off a free kick by Ng. Prem. Zalen keeper's feeble punch found L. Milan Singh whose left-footer ruffled the net.
A minute later, NISA consolidated with skipper S. James Singh making a long pass to Zalen goalmouth and David K.C. Ngaihte made no mistake in slotting it home in the 77th minute to make the score 2-0.
However, NISA's joy was shortlived when FC Zalen's Thangtinlen Haokip found the net in the 81st minute after collecting a short pass from Seikhohao Tuboi.
Zalen's counter-attack proved fruitful when substitute William Pauliankhum slammed home the equaliser in the 90th minute to make it 2-2.
Three FC Zalen players, Henry Gangte, Seikhohao Tuboi, Hmangte Damkhupreng and NISA players Ng. Prem, S. James, Y. Ibomcha Singh, were shown yellow cards.
In tomorrow's matches, Neroca FC will face United Sporting Association while Tiddim Road Athletic Union will meet Southern Sporting Union on the second ground.
In yesterday's match, Neroca FC beat Southern Sporting Union by a solitary goal to pick up full points.
Women's league: Eastern Sporting Union FC Manipur beat Jeppiyar Institute FC Pondicherry 3-2 in the Indian Women's League Preliminary Round, played at Police Ground, Cuttack. Ng. Bala Devi struck two goals while Y. Kamala Devi fetched one for ESU team. For the Pondicherry team, K. Sumitra and M. Nandini fetched a goal each.
Tennis: Guwahati Lawn Tennis Association is organising the Guwahati Open Sub-junior (boys and girls' under-12 and under-14) Tennis Championship at Nurul Amin tennis complex, Nehru Stadium, Guwahati, from November 2. The five-day meet, organised to develop talent at the grassroots, carries prize money of Rs 1 lakh.
