Dimapur, Nov. 12 (EMN): Mizoram edged Manipur 1-0 on November 11 at the MFA Turf in Polo Ground to secure top spot in Group 1.
The only goal of the intense 90 minutes was scored by Rohlupuia in the 50th minute.
Mizoram will thus meet Nagaland in the first semifinal. Nagaland had lost to Meghalaya 2-1 in the earlier game. Wadajied Kynsai Ryngkhlem put the hosts into the lead in the 29th minute before Everbrightson Mylliempdah increased the gap with a 62nd minute goal.
Nagaland reduced the deficit in the 88th minute but Meghalaya were able to see off the remaining minutes for the win.
Mizoram will play Nagaland in the first semifinal at 11 am on Sunday, followed by Meghalaya versus Manipur at 4:30pm under lights.
Entry remains will remain free for both matches but will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, an update stated.
Meanwhile, Sikkim secured a consolation third place in Group 2 with a 5-3 win over Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal held the lead on three separate occasions, scoring through Pungte Lapung (1', 23') and Bengia Bosco (68') but Sikkim came back every time and found a sensational victory thanks to a string of goals in the last 10 minutes. Their scorers were Sahil Chettry (10'), Rohit Gurung (42'), Pravin Rai (82') and Crisnawag Sherpa (86', 90').