DIPHU — The home team Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMS FC) secured a decisive 8-0 victory in their final group clash against Bhuna FC, Haryana, on the evening of September 11.
This win, part of the ongoing I-League 3 Group D matches at Karbi Anglong Sports Association (KASA) stadium, ensured their qualification for the playoffs alongside Keinou Library and Sports Association (KLASA).
Meanwhile, in their final group match, KLASA defeated Jaipur Elite 1-0. KLASA leads the points table with 10 points, while KAMS FC follows with 9 points.
It was a must-win game for the Morning Star, as they had lost their previous match to KLASA FC. The Morning Star capitalised on their opportunities and took an early lead in the 12th minute, thanks to Kevisanyu Peseyie. The first 45 minutes concluded with the home side leading 1-0.
In the first half, the visitors made two substitutions: Laisram Ibunga replaced Angang Sana Singha, and Ansit Linda came on for Prasenjit Singha. At halftime, the home team also made changes, with Vishal Gurung being replaced by Sharangthem Rajdan Singh.
In the second half, the Morning Star team dominated the game, creating several goal-scoring opportunities. In the 53rd minute, Kevisanyu Peseyie scored the second goal for the home side. In the 57th minute, the team made two substitutions: Cleaven Hmarramnghak replaced Khumanthem Arun Singh, and Mukesh Timung came on for Kevisanyu Peseyie.
With the changes, Singdoulien Khongsai scored the third goal in the 57th minute, while substitute Cleaven Hmarramnghak added the fourth and fifth goals in the 59th and 64th minutes, respectively.
Substitutions were made in defence in the 65th minute, with Harbamon Timung replacing Ahongshangbam, Rakesh Singh and Tenson Tisso coming on for Lalienmang Sitlhou. In the 70th minute, the visitors also made substitutions: Ansit Linda was replaced by Md. Salman, and Rakesh Dara was substituted for Md. Rehan.
Increasing their tally, substitute Mukesh Timung scored the sixth goal for the home side in the 87th minute. Sarangthem Rajdan Singh and Shunjanthan Ragui added the seventh and eighth goals in the 87th and 90th minutes, respectively.
Out of four matches played, KLASA won three and drew one, while KAMS FC won three and lost one. The top two teams from each group, a total of ten teams, will advance to the playoffs, which will start on September 20.
From Group A, the teams advancing are Diamond Harbour FC, Kolkata, and Sports Academy Tirur, Kerala. From Group B, the teams are SESA FA, Goa, and Dalbir FA, Punjab.
From Group C, Chanmari FC, Aizawl, Mizoram, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Sporting Club, Bengaluru have qualified. From Group D, the teams are KLASA, Manipur, and KAMS FC. From Group E, Abbas Union FC (UFC), Hyderabad, and Downtown Heroes FC, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, have advanced.