IMPHAL, December 7: Defending champion Shillong Lajong FC today faced a shock exit from the ongoing 55th CC Meet football tournament being played at mapal Kangjeibung at the hands of USA Khurai, after wasting a 1-0 lead in the first half of play.
Following a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time, USA, Khurai defeated Lajong FC 3-0 in the penalty shot out.
Lajong FC who has had a fairly successful run at the Imphal main stadium ground as its home ground in the I-league, has been ousted from this year’s edition of the Sir Churachand Singh memorial Football tournament.
Lalnunmawia opened the account for Lajong in the 45th minute.
However Lajong failed to maintained its lead for long when Thangkhosen Haokip of USA equalised for his club in the 49th minute.
The score remained at 1-1 till the end of normal time.
Thongminthang, BoyeshRangla and Haolengou Kipgen scored for USA, Seikhao Tuboi, Jenga Rongmei and Ronald Zothangzama failed to convert their spot kicks.
USA will now meet AR on December 9 in the second semi-final match, while NISA will meet NEROCA in the first semi-final tomorrow.