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MOKOKCHUNG — A tenacious Telongjem FC frustrated KSR to secure a 1-0 win in the MDFA semi-final last leg at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung, on Wednesday.
Shurosol Zhotso came off the bench and delivered a perfect header to help defending champion Telongjem earn a much-needed victory over top contender KSR for the coveted title, which will see them face Moanungsang MSC in the final.
As the match started, KSR appeared to be much more passive than usual, with no rush to resume action at any given opportunity. Telongjem was also struggling to develop anything threatening in the KSR area.
The first real chance came in second half-extra time, when winger H Robinsin Khongsai sent a volley but was denied by KSR goalkeeper, and the score remained 0-0.
In the second half, Telongjem certainly believed they were the superior side. They dominated in every facet of the match and spent the whole half on KSR’s side of the pitch.
Telongjem was awarded a spot kick near the right corner in the middle of the second half. Khiuwangbo Kaurinta took the shot but failed to capitalise; instead, KSR turned it into a reverse counterattack and were awarded a penalty.
KSR's Rehisho Mero had a golden opportunity, but Telongjem's goalkeeper saved it with a perfectly timed drive.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]During the 75th minute, H Robinsin Khongsai alerted his Telongjem manager to bring out its reserve striker, who promptly replaced a stronger header, Haitingsem Kigpen.
Telongjem launched an attack with a new striker, and within minutes, KSR narrowly avoided a header from Haitingsem Kigpen.
Telongjem's talisman Robinson, however, penetrated KSR's left flank box in the 87th minute, cutting two defenders and curling a brilliant ball just over the head of Shurozol Zotso, who was waiting at the other end of the post with the net wide open. With a header, he gave Telongjem a 1-0 lead heading into the final.
The match also had the most yellow cards issued by the officials this season, with five, two from Telongjem and three from KSR.
Imkong L Imchen, Advisor for IPR and Social and Water Conservation, will be the chief match patron at the final match on November 3. The final match between Moanungsang and Telongjem will begin at 1 pm.
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