IMPHAL, August 23: Two times Manipur State League Champion, TRAU started its campaign with an impressive 4-1 win against TRUGPU at the Mapal Kangjeibung.
Playing the second ground match of the day, the two time champions controlled the ball throughout the match.
In his post-match interview with the media perons, TRAU coach M Ratan expressed that though he expected his team to win, he did not expect to win with such big margin.
He said that poor defending on the part of their opponents enable his players to win with such a big margin, nonetheless, his boys did a good job, he added.
The first goal of the match came in just the 5th minute of the play through Dhananjoy for the winners.
The lead was soon extended in the 22nd minute through a goal by Th Premkumar. TRAU netted two other goals to extend its lead by 4-0 in the second half of the match. The two second half goals for TRAU were scored by G Anthony Kabui (56th) and N Dhananjoy Singh (66th).
L Fernando of TRUGPU managed to score in the 74th minute and lessen the scoreline to 4-1, however the damage had already been done, and TRAU registered its first win of its campaign.
In his post-match media briefing, TRUGPU coach Ng Rukikanta said as his team which is made up of mostly young players lack in experience which was showing in today’s match.
His players were unable to play without fear, he said.
He said his side back players also failed to do their jobs.
He however expressed his belief that his team will grow stronger as the league continues and that the players will be able to play their natural game without fear.
The winning team’s coach in the meantime had said that he had told his players not to miss any scoring chances.
He had also said that he will change the team formation according to their opponents.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the first ground match between USA, Khurai and NEROCA, Sangakpham had ended in a 1-1 draw.
O Premeshwor scored for USA in the 31st minute while, the equalizer was scored for NEROCA in the 79th minute by H Chakravorti.