<p>After both sides failed to break the ice in regulation time, Thoiba struck from the spot in the 116th minute to earn Manipur a hard-fought victory at the Nehru stadium.<br /><br />It was Manipur who dictated the terms right from the outset and could have taken the lead at the stroke of halftime, only for Tikem Singh to squander two sitters.<br /><br />Manipur continued to pile on the pressure and came close to breaking the deadlock again but an alert Services goalkeeper Robikanta Singh kept them at bay with some fine saves.<br /><br />During extra-time Manipur again dominated with their players missing several chances with Tikem Singh and Jimmy Singh getting the best of them to win the game for the former champions.<br /><br />Manipur finally reaped reward for their consistent forrays when Services defender P Sumesh was caught handling the ball. Thoiba then stepped on to deliver the knock-out blow to put Manipur through.</p>
<p>After both sides failed to break the ice in regulation time, Thoiba struck from the spot in the 116th minute to earn Manipur a hard-fought victory at the Nehru stadium.<br /><br />It was Manipur who dictated the terms right from the outset and could have taken the lead at the stroke of halftime, only for Tikem Singh to squander two sitters.<br /><br />Manipur continued to pile on the pressure and came close to breaking the deadlock again but an alert Services goalkeeper Robikanta Singh kept them at bay with some fine saves.<br /><br />During extra-time Manipur again dominated with their players missing several chances with Tikem Singh and Jimmy Singh getting the best of them to win the game for the former champions.<br /><br />Manipur finally reaped reward for their consistent forrays when Services defender P Sumesh was caught handling the ball. Thoiba then stepped on to deliver the knock-out blow to put Manipur through.</p>