Tripura come from behind to qualify for Assam Rifles CAPF U-19 semis, Manipur hold off Nagaland

Shillong, June 19: Tripura boys shrugged off being a goal down to beat Arunachal Pradesh 2-1 in the Assam Rifles CAPF Under-19 Football Talent Hunt Tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here today.

In the other match, Manipur weathered a determined Nagaland to draw 1-1.

Tripura needed to win the game to qualify for the semifinal round, but Arunachal, who only needed a draw, seized the momentum in the 26^th minute when the unmarked G Kuku headed a free-kick into the net.

Six minutes later, however, Tripura earned a corner, which was taken nicely by Bipul Debbarma. His team mate Bisvajet Debbarma did not connect cleanly with the ball, heading it down into the ground, but luck was on his side as the ball bounced over the keeper and went into the net.

In the second half, Arunachal fouled an opposing player on the edge of the penalty box and this proved disastrous as AH Jamatia curled his shot around a five-man wall and past the goalkeeper, who only managed to get his fingertips to the ball, in the 46^th minute.

The victory means that Tripura finish the league stage with three points in Pool A, second to Mizoram, who have four. Arunachal depart with one point.

The second match of the day saw end-to-end action in an entertaining fixture.

Nagaland had the early momentum, seizing the lead in only the eighth minute through Sinlo, who took advantage after the Manipur goalie saw a ball off a free-kick slip through his hands, providing Nagaland’s No. 10 a perfect chance to score.

However, Manipur then began to find their feet, timing their passes and runs forward very well.

In the 25^th minute Paulunlem ran nicely to receive a forward pass through the defensive line on the right flank. He then went deep and after a feint, chipped the ball to Gopi Singh, who headed it into the net for the equaliser.

Manipur thus finish in Pool A in top place on four points, ahead of Meghalaya on three. Nagaland exit with one point.

Tuesday will see the final girls’ group matches. The first, at 1:00pm, will see Nagaland battle Manipur in Pool A. Meghalaya will then clash with Mizoram in Pool B at 3:30pm.