The LBS Suzuki 22nd Inter Branch YMA Football Tournament semi-finals have concluded, with Bethlehem Vengthlang and Republic Veng defeating their respective opponents to advance to the final, which will be held on May 31, 2025 (Saturday).
In the first semi-final, Bethlehem Vengthlang secured a 1-0 victory with a clean goal from Ramzauva. The only goal came in the 26th minute when he skillfully controlled the ball on the left flank, dribbled past a defender, and shot from the edge of the box, finding the near post.
Ramzauva had a chance to score a hattrick. Towards the end of the first half, he struck a powerful shot from outside the box, which went just wide of the top corner. In the closing stages of the second half, Ramzauva placed a shot towards the far post from the edge of the box, narrowly missing the target.
Armed Veng South also had good scoring opportunities. Early in the second half, Kimkima took a close-range shot from a set piece, which hit the Bethlehem Vengthlang goalpost.
As the second half neared its end, Talea took a quick shot from the edge of the box, but Bethlehem Vengthlang goalkeeper Muansanga made an excellent save to deny it.
In the dying moments of added time, Armed Veng South earned a free kick. Richard’s shot hit the wall, and Tetea’s follow-up shot resulted in a goal. However, the assistant referee flagged it offside, and Armed Veng South could not equalize.
The second semi-final was thrilling. The two teams were level at 2-2 after regular time, but in extra time, Republic Veng scored a decisive goal through C. Hruaia’s free kick, securing a 3-2 victory.
Republic Veng took an early lead with two clean goals. The first goal came in the 12th minute when Zirtea’s free kick was parried by Durtlang goalkeeper Hlutea, and Danmawia scored from the rebound at the far post.
In the 82nd minute, Valpuia scored Republic Veng’s second goal. From a free kick about 40 yards out, he struck a magnificent shot into the top corner, leaving Durtlang goalkeeper Hlutea helpless despite his best efforts.
Durtlang fought back, scoring two goals in the final moments. In the 88th minute, Mathew scored a beautiful goal from outside the box, finding the top corner.
Regular time ended, with four minutes of added time. In the 93rd minute, a powerful shot from about 30 yards found the top corner again. Durtlang equalized, and the match went into extra time.
In extra time, with regular time concluded, Republic Veng earned a free kick in added time. From the left flank, C. Hriata struck a brilliant shot to score the winning goal, securing a 3-2 victory for Republic Veng.
The match saw several dangerous goal attempts. ISL player Isaac took a powerful shot, which Republic Veng goalkeeper RSA saved. Alfred hit the Durtlang goalpost, and Hriata, after skillfully controlling a ball in the box, shot just over the bar.
The final will be held on May 31, 2025 (Saturday) at 1:30 PM at RG Stadium, Mualpui.