DIMAPUR — The visitor Keinou Library and Sports Association (KLASA FC), Manipur, secured all three points in the Group D match on September 9 against the home side Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC (KAMS FC) in the ongoing I-League 3, held at KASA Stadium, Diphu.
The match saw a huge crowd turnout in favour of the home team, but KAMS FC failed to counter the spirited performance of KLASA FC and suffered a 2-1 defeat.
KLASA FC made a strong start with an attacking spree, while the Morning Star also launched effective counter-attacks in an attempt to seize opportunities. In the 42nd minute, the Morning Star took the lead by converting a spot kick taken by H Robinson Khongsai.
The shot landed perfectly in the net, giving the home side a 1-0 lead at half-time.
However, in the second half, with renewed energy, KLASA FC dominated the game, breaking through the home side's defence. In the 61st minute, KLASA FC equalised with a free kick from Ronald Singh.
While the Morning Star were on the defensive, KLASA FC exploited their opportunities. Taking advantage of the home side’s failure to advance the ball, KLASA FC penetrated their defence. In the 74th minute, Ningthoujam Momocha Singh scored the second goal for his team with a perfectly executed free kick, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.
In the 67th minute, KAMS FC’s goalkeeper Gozen Hanse was forced to leave the field due to injury and was replaced by Priyojit Singh. The match saw a total of five yellow cards, with four handed to KLASA FC players and one to KAMS FC’s Komolson Rongphar. The game concluded with KLASA FC winning 2-1.
Earlier in the afternoon, Kenkre FC defeated Bhuna FC 3-2.
With the defeat, the host team slipped to third position in Group D with 6 points. Kenkre FC and KLASA FC both have 7 points each, but Kenkre FC holds the higher position due to a better goal difference. Kenkre FC concluded their group campaign after playing their fourth match on September 9.
For KAMS FC, their fourth and final group match on September 11 against Bhuna FC, Haryana, is crucial, and they need to secure a win. On the same day, KLASA FC will face Jaipur Elite FC in their final group match.