IMPHAL, September 10: Nilakumar’s scored in the last minute through a free kick to ensure a win for MPSC against 10 men NEROCA, Sangakpham in their MSL play off today at the Imphal Mapal Kangjeibung.
MPSC defeated NEROCA by 2-1.
MPSC has now only one lost and three wins from four games, while NEROCA has one draw, win and a defeat from three matches.
Even though the scoreline tells a different story, NEROCA had controlled the game in the first half, however in the 35th minute, Kh Satish was sent out for a double caution in the first half of the match.
In the 30th minute, K Satish was cautioned for holding the MPSC goalie during a goal attempt, while in the 35th minute of the match; he was cautioned for handling a ball after missing out to head during another attempt at the goal.
Other than the sending out of the NEROCA striker, there were not much histrionics in the first half of the match with both teams failing to score though NEROCA controlled the match.
However, the ouster of Satish changed the game totally with MPSC coming back strong and scoring two goals in the second half.
MPSC played with an attacking foot in the second half; however, Naorem Sushil of NEROCA scored the first goal of the match from a counter attack in the 72nd minute.
L Ibothoi headed home the equaliser for MPSC just five minutes after the first goal in the 77th minute through a beautiful pass from Ksh Kanta.
The winning goal for MPSC came in additional time through a beautifully taken free kick in 90+1st minute.
Thangminlian of MPSC was cautioned in the 48th minute.
A visibly irate NEROCA coach T Ibomcha Singh said his team was controlling the match however the ouster of his striker in the first half changed the game in a different direction.
He said his team had already missed two regular players from auto suspension which had weakened the team already. The first half sending out only aggravated the condition for his team.
He said the last goal of the match was because of his inexperienced defenders.
Meanwhile, MPSC, Manager M Babu Singh said NEROCA played really well and controlled the first half.
He said the NEROCA goal came due to a slight mistake of his defender, he however, added that he had full confidence that his team will score the equaliser.
He said his team will try to lift the league cup this time.
