Mizoram won their semi-final match against Arunachal Pradesh confirming their place at the finals of the Northeast Games 2024.
Mizoram and Manipur to face each other ‘again’ in finals
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 22
Nagaland football team lost the semi-final match to its Southern neighbour, Manipur in a tense 1-2 defeat at the Northeast Games 2024 played in NAPTC stadium, Chümoukedima on March 22. The match started off strong for the host team as they had come out of two wins and one draw in their group stage. In the 21st minute of the first half, Nagaland drew first blood through a header, courtesy of Neisede (#10) who pushed a swirling ball into the net after Peseyie (#8) flicked it towards him. Manipur however were not an opponent to be taken lightly as they remained dangerous in the counter, making several shots on target.
As the second half rolled over, complacency appeared to have crept into the host team as they seem secured in their single goal lead. This would be a grave mistake as Manipur’s Sanathoi (18#) would punish them in the 52nd minute by scoring the first goal for his side. The match would turn in favour of Manipur as their second goal would come shortly in the 56th minute again by an unmarked Sanathoi who took advantage of the disarrayed defensive backline of Nagaland. Although the hosts attempted to salvage the situation by going into the attack mode, it was too little too late. With five minutes of extra time added, Nagaland had all hands on deck trying to equalize a goal however all their attempts were thwarted by a stubborn Manipur defense.
The final whistle sealed the fate of the home side as it ended in a 1-2 result in favour of Manipur who will now face Mizoram in the finals while Nagaland will have to contend either with third or fourth place.
Meanwhile in the second semi-final match between Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, Ramngaihsanga (#12) scored first goal in the 35th minute of a first half dominated by Mizoram. A late goal by Malsawmtluanga (#25) in the 90th minute sealed the deal for his side as Mizoram will face Manipur again in the finals.
March 23 Matches:
Nagaland Vs Arunachal Pradesh (10:00 AM) Third place
Mizoram Vs Manipur (2:00 PM) Final
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