Ukhrul: Former Shirui Lily Cup champion AIM beat NACO 1-0 in a high octane first quarter final match on Friday at Ukhrul.
Football fans were all praise for their competitive and team spirited game. Both the visiting team checkmated their positions and launched scores of attacks to gain the advantage.
AIM lone goal in the first five minute was the deciding factor and resulted in change of plan for both the team.
NACO all out attempts to equalise and ensure seminal berth fail to materialise even as it controlled the ball possession in the second half.
The former Shirui Lily cup champion fortress renew its vigour and steer clear the avalanche of attacks it faced from NACO.
AIM striker E Joykishan first goal made all the difference as the team put up a stiff defence against the well organised NACO side who made series of attempts till the last minute to equalise the goal margin and gain that extra edge.
With this win, AIM has secured its slot for semi-finals.
TRAU will face Ukhrul based Yarkhok United FC today.
The ongoing National Shirui Lily Cup 2021 being organised by Ukhrul District Football Association is held under the banner of All Manipur Football Association.
The ongoing cup has ten club competing in the direct elimination round, namely NACO, United Brothers FC, AIM, TRAU FC, New Market FC, Yarkhok United FC, KLASA FC, PASI FC, Shillong Lajong FC, and Phungyar FC.
Phungyar FC, PASI FC and NACO had been eliminated.