IMPHAL, Dec 8: While brilliant performance in the earlier matches by L Premkumar helped NISA, Thangmeiband reach the last four stage of the 55th CC Meet football tournament his counterpart M Raj today earned NEROCA, Sangakpham the right to play in the title match of the prestigious competition.

Raj, eventually declared match of the match sponsored by www.epao.net, effected two outstanding saves in the first semifial tie-brea-ker at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium thereby ensuring the former cham- pions have another shot at the title against the winner of tomorrow’s second semi-final between Assam Rifles Soccer and USA, Khurai.

Following a scoreless draw in the first last four clash between the former champions, Raj foiled NISA’s second and fourth penalties taken by S Mani-mohan and G Golmei respectively.

L Ratan, L Nabachandra and Th Borish were the suc-cessful penalty takers for the Thangmeiband side while M Ashok, Ng Tomar-jit, Mahesh Rai and Th Ro- shan converted for NERO-CA during the shoot-out.

Y Jacky’s attempt sailed over the crosspiece.

After an uninspiring normal period display by both NISA and NEROCA, the excitement climaxed in the tie-breaker with vociferous cheering by rival supporters undoubtedly unnerving the penalty takers.

While NEROCA players kept their cool and slotted four goals past Premkumar, Raj showed his composure to eventually lead his team to the final.

NEROCA’s last title triumph was in 2000 while in the 2002 and 2008 editions the Sangakpham side ended as the second best team.

NISA, on the otherhand, had wrested the title in 2007 and finished runners-up in 1969 and 1994.