TT FC Aizwal declared winner after AIM stage walk out

 Kohima | November 25 : The third pre-quarterfinal match of the Royal Cup tournament between defending champions TT FC, Aizawl and AIM FC, Imphal turned sour early in the second half as the game was abruptly stopped in the 60th minute when the Manipur team decided to walk off the pitch in protest over a decision made by the referee.

The defending champions started the match well and dominated the first half. They created a number of chances within ten minutes of play. David (8) had a great opportunity to open the account in the fourth minute when he dribbled past two defenders but he miscued his shot and missed the mark. Two minutes later, Tezawka (17) connected well from the edge of the penalty area, but his shot went wide.

Manipur struggled to settle down and were wayward in their passing. They got very little time on the ball as Aizawl managed to enjoy the greater percentage of ball possession.  The opening goal for TT FC came in the 14th minute through Lalnuntluanga (22) when he met a cross sent in by Albert (7) from the right. Aizawl continued to control the play in midfield and relentlessly tried to extend their lead, but they could not convert the chances.

After the break, Manipur upped their intensity in their search for an equalizer and they had a great chance to level the score in the 51st minute when Naothan (10) beat the off-side trap and made a very good run into the box, but his shot went over the crossbar. AIM seemed to be getting back into the game thought they scored the equalizer in the 60th minute, but the referee disallowed the goal. This created an ugly scene in the pitch as the Manipur players surrounded the referee and protested. AIM captain, Manitombi (25) got so furious over the decision that he almost came into contact with the referee physically. The assistant referees had to run into the pitch to hold the AIM players back and tried to calm them down.

Manipur had enough time to get back in the game if they had only continued to play on, but for some very bizarre reason, they decided to walk off the pitch. Match officials tried to reason with them but were unable to bring them back into the field. The referee had no option but to blow the final whistle and awarded the match to TT FC, Aizawl.