IMPHAL, Sept 1: Defending champion NISA was held to a 1-1 draw by TRUGPU at the Manipur State League football today.
In a keenly contested match played today at Mapal Kangjeibung, NISA faced stiff challenge from TRUGPU players who looked desperate to win the match against the previous league champion.
However, NISA got the break in the first through a great strike from G Gaikhanguingpu in the 37th minute. The half time score remain 1-0 in favour of NISA.
In the second half, TRUGPU fought back and managed to equalise the lone goal deficit in the 47th minute by G Anthony.
Despite the draw NISA is on the top of the points tally with three wins and a draw totaling 10 points while AIM is at second spot with three wins from three match and nine points. If AIM wins tomorrow’s match against AIFA, the club will snatch the lead from NISA.
In another match played today at the same venue, SSU defeated YDO by 4-0 goals.
M Bijen opened goal account for SSU in the 26th minute while Y Inao added another goal in three minutes later.
In the second half, Kh Minthing scored two goals in quick succession to increase the lead to 4-0 which eventually become final result.
YDO got a spot kick in the 73rd minute but the spot kick delivered by Kh Herojit was brilliantly saved by SSU goalkeeper W Nilakanta.
In tomorrow’s matches of the MSL, AIM will play AIFA while USA will clash with traditional rival TRAU.