As early as in the third minute of the second half, off a fantastic build-up by Kerala orchestrated by Pekuson and Pulga, Prashant rushing in from the right, scored after meeting an inviting cross across Thapa’s goal by the Ghanian Pekuson. With a 2-0 lead, Kerala were looking in complete control.

NEROCA coach Gift Raikhan then brought in two changes which proved immensely helpful. Pritam Singh was brought in place of Saran Singh and Govin was replaced by Ashok Singh. In the 70th minute, Singham Subhash Singh chipped the ball to Joachim, who trapped and turned beautifully to bring about score the first goal for NEROCA.

Neroca, clearly more energised after the goal, kept on attacking. In the 79th minute, Kallon found Pritam in the clear on the right with a wonderful long ball from across the field. Pritam trapped, looked up and found Aryn Williams with his cross, who tapped in the header intelligently past a wrong-footed Rachubka.

In the very next minute, off another Neroca attack, referee Bannerjee this time called Wes Brown for a handball inside the box and pointed to the spot for the second time in the match. Nigerian Chidi converted to send the Manipur side into delirium. Jean Michel Joachim of NEROCA FC received the man of the match prize of Rs 25,000.
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TOP: Players of NEROCA FC pose before their pre-quarterfinal match against Kerala Blasters FC in Bhubaneswar on April 6, 2018.
RIGHT: Players of Kerala Blasters FC pose before their pre-quarterfinal match against NEROCA FC in Bhubaneswar on April 6, 2018.