Manipur edge Services to enter Santosh Trophy final

A solitary strike by Thoiba Singh helped Manipur prevail over Services 1-0 in extra time and book a berth in the final of the Santosh Trophy in Guwahati on Thursday.

After both teams failed to break the deadlock in regulation time, Thoiba struck from the spot deep into the second-half extra time, 116 minutes to be precise, to seal the match in his side's favour.

In the first semifinal played at the Nehru Stadium, former champions Manipur looked the better of the two sides, and dictated terms right from the outset.

They could have taken the lead at the stroke of half time but to Manipur's despair, Tikem Singh failed to convert two easy chances.

Manipur continued to put pressure on their opponents and came close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions in the second session, but an alert Services goalkeeper Robikanta Singh was equal to the task.

With the scoreline reading 0-0 after the end of 90 minutes, extra time came into play with Manipur once again showing their intentions right from the word go.

Manipur's hard work paid off when Thoiba converted from the spot after Services defender P Sumesh handled the ball inside the box, which resulted in a penalty.

In the final, Manipur will take on the winner of the second semifinal between West Bengal and Services.