AMIDST HEAVY RAINS, Chhinga Veng FC and Bethlehem Vengthlang FC played out a hard-fought semifinal encounter for a place in the Independence Day Football Tournament, with Chhinga Veng being victorious 2-1.
As torrential rains kept pouring onto Aizawl's famous Lammual Stadium, kick off of the high profile semi-final match had to be delayed. When the match began with the fog and cloud less obstructive of the visibility, the Super Cup winners Chhinga Veng started the game on a strong note. They created chances early on and took the lead through MS Tluanga 16 minutes into the game. The rest of the first half played out on the rain-soaked pitch and no one managed to score.
Sensing trouble, MPL table toppers Bethlehem Vengthlang came out all guns blazing in the second half. And early on, they got their equalizer through Ramengmawia. But Chhinga Veng were not about to let go. As the rain slowly became heavier again, Malsawmfela scored for them just past the hour mark.
With Chhinga Veng 2-1 ahead, a large cloud suddenly descended over Lammual and the match had to be stopped. After a while, the match could resume and the teams played out the remaining 20 minutes with neither team managing to successfully navigate the wet turf.
Chhinga Veng FC registered this crucial win and now they will face off with MPL champions Chanmari FC in the final in the quest of acquiring some early silverware this season.