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Retso Mero of Zonipang SC (in pink jersey) scores a goal against Intermingle Club during the MDFA Trophy first semi-final match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Wednesday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 23 (EMN): Suponglemba and Retso Mero's stunning strikes helped Zonipang SC clinch a narrow 2-1 victory over Intermingle Club in a close semi-final match at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung on Wednesday.
Two goals after the break sparked scenes of wild celebrations for the fans of Zonipang, as they avenged their last year's defeat to Intermingle Club in the MDFA trophy 2018 final.
From the get-go, both teams engineered dangerous attacks and tried to cut through each other's defensive lines. Twenty minutes into the game, Wapongtemjen of Intermingle was cautioned with the first yellow card of the game. Zonipang then got its first free-kick but failed to convert it into a goal.
Some minutes later, Intermingle got an opening when its forward surged inside the box and attempted a shot but the Zonipang goalkeeper made a quick reflex save to flick the ball over the bar. Later in the 41st minute, Imsuwapang of Intermingle was shown a yellow card.
Zonipang’s Retso Mero also spurned a great chance to break the deadlock in the last minute of the first half. He took a shot from the left flank but a defender managed to clear the ball right at the edge of the net.
In the second half, both the teams tried to dominate possession and they both missed a couple of chances, including a great free-kick from Intermingle which flew just a whisker away from the bar.
Zonipang were stunned in the 51st minute, however, when Intermingle striker Thangiem opened the score from close range after a corner kick. Two minutes later, Intermingle’s Ratobe Zeliang was cautioned with a yellow card.
But in a dramatic turnaround, the spotlight quickly shifted to Suponglemba when he levelled the score for Zonipang in the 57th minute. Zonipang needed another goal to avoid relegation and started a barrage of attacks. Then in the 63rd minute, Retso Mero got the decisive goal for Zonipang, courtesy a great assist from Awang.
Zonipang will now take on the winner of the second semi-final match between Alempang YD and Telongjem FC in the final.
TODAY’S MATCH
(semi-final)
Telongjem FC vs Alempang YD AT 1:00 pm