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Players of G. Rio School (black) and Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School in action at Kohima local ground on Wednesday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, July 12 (EMN): G. Rio School defeated Ministers’ Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School (MHBHSS) 3-2 in the semifinal and made it through to the final of the ongoing 1st Kohima District Inter-School Football tournament here at Kohima local ground on Wednesday.
Playing a closely contested match in front of a packed Khuochiezie crowd, G. Rio took the first lead when their skipper Wanmei converted the spot kick in 10th minute after the referee penalised the handball of Neimhalie inside the 18 yard circle. However, the referee wrongly cautioned Avilotho Nyuthe of MHBHSS with a yellow card.
MHBHSS fought back for an equaliser, and 17 minutes later, Jimuhie Kajiri scored the equaliser in the 27th minute. The custodian of G. Rio was at fault as he was unable to clear the ball, Jimuhie came from behind to tap in the goal to bring much excitement to the game. The first half ended 1-1.
Luck did favor G Rio School as they broke the deadlock again through Sangti in the 76th minute to take the lead. In the midst of chaos of the defenders, the deflected ball went through the boots of Sangti and he converted the second goal.
With sloppy defense continuing to rue MHBHSS side, Keneisetuo piled up more misery as he added the 3rd goal for G.Rio in 79th minute.
With three minutes remaining, the skipper of MHBHSS Gideon Leo gave a lifeline for his team as he pulled back another goal through a stunning free-kick in the dying minutes. MHBHSS crowd, who were scattered when G Rio was leading with two goals, came back to their seats to cheer their team again but it was too late as their opponents successfully defended the score-line despite the numerous attacks.
The match ended 3-2 only to the celebration of G.Rio School who cruised into the final, wherein, they will take on the winner of the 2nd semi-final match to be played between Mt. Sinai Hr Sec School and Rüzhükhrie Government HSS.
As a losing semifinalist, MHBHSS had to be contented with a cash award of Rs. 20,000.
Players who were cautioned with yellow cards during the match were Wanmei and Angba from G Rio School and Neimhalie Sokramo and Rhonathung Ovung from MHBHSS.
The 1st semi-final was graced by K. Kire, former DGP Nagaland as the match patron. The former DGP is also a member of the organising committee of Royal Club, Kohima.
2nd Semi Final (13th July)
Mt. Sinai HSS vs Rüzhükhrie Govt. HSS at 2 pm.