IMPHAL, January 5: Kh Satish struck home thrice to send defending champion NEROCA into the last four stage of the CC Meet today.
Satish’s hattrick came in the second half of the match against Southern Sporting Union today, after both teams remain goalless at the end of the first half.
The first half of the match ended quite tamely, except for a goal attempt by NEROCA striker H Chakravorti Singh, during which SSU goalie’s sustained an injury on his right wrist.
SSU’s defence weakened at the start of the second half, giving NEROCA strikers ample opportunities to score. Satish struck his first of three goals in the 47th minute from a low pass off H Chakravorti Singh.
Six minutes later, he found the net again, with L Gouro laying the foundation.
Deepak’s header off Gouro’s cross from the right flank of the SSU goal mouth, found Satish who headed it home in the 52nd minute.
Just five minutes later, SSU got an opportunity to minimise the score line. Imran Khan free kick from 19 yards went wide.
The 63rd minute saw, SSU changed their goalies due to the injury received in the first half.
SSU lost another chance when a free kick from 18 yards went wide.
SSU recieved another chance in the dying minutes of the match, however failed to convert it. L Dewan’s shot at target was reflected by NEROCA goalie Thangtinpao Khongsai which was again volleyed by Md Riyas Khan but was defended by Md Sohail Shah from the goal line.
Satish completed his hattrick in the 88th minutes.
NEROCA will now meet TRAU in the semi-final match at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on January 7.