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Members of Meriema Village Youth Organisation celebrate after defeating Tribal Brothers at the Kohima local ground on Wed. Oct. 17. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 17 (EMN): Underdog team Meriema Village Youth Organisation scripted a historic 4-3 win over Tribal Brothers D Khel Kohima Village via tie-breaker after the thrilling encounter ended in 3-3 draw in the first semi-final match of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy at the Kohima local ground on Wednesday.
Meriema’s forward Vikeduolie Lhousi came to the rescue of his team by scoring the winning goal in the penalty shootout, while he also scored and assisted a goal during the match.
Meriema team came from two goal down to equalise and take the lead in 113th minute through Vikeduolie Lhousi, but conceded a late goal as Shurhosul headed the equaliser in the 118th minute to make it 3-3 and the match had to be decided through a tie-breaker.
In the penalty shootout, Meriema’s goalkeeper Medophrezo managed to save Sanyem’s kick and Sinlo fourth penalty kick as Vikeduolie took the last penalty and scored the winning goal to send the team through to the final.
In the match, Tribal Brothers dominated the proceeding as Aloumei scored in the 19th minute. In the process, Sohiampou's free kick found Aloumei umarked inside the area as he curled the effort into the net to take the lead 1-0.
Meriema team was blunt in attack in the first half wasting most of the chance created. The best chance for Meriema came when Keneisezo Keditsu came one on one but shot the ball directly to the keeper.
In the second half, Laiwang doubled the lead through a header set up by Shurhosul Zhotso in the 52nd minute. Meriema team finally broke the deadlock through Kekhriengulie super finishing assisted by Vikeduolie Lhousi in the 67th minute to make it 1-2.
Four minutes later, defensive error by Tribal Brothers handed the equaliser as Kevingulie Cusotsu took the opportunity to score from a close range in the 71st minute.
In the 90th minute, Meriema's defender Keneingutuo Yaotsu was sent off for two yellow card in the match.
During the extra time of 30th minute, 10-man Meriema team continued to dominate the game as Vikeduolie scored a beautiful goal for Meriema team to give the lead with seven minute remaining in the match. He also picked up a yellow card for removing his shirt during his goal celebration.
But that was not over yet as Shurhosul Zhotso rose on the occasion to head home the equaliser from Sanyem's cross with two minutes remaining to bring the crowd back into their seat again.
During the penalty shootout, Meriema team beat Tribal Brothers 4-3 as the heroic goalkeeper Medophrezo made two saves to send the team through.
Meanwhile, the second semi-final match will be played between Centurion FC and Senapati FC (Manipur) on Thursday, wherein Neise Mechülho will attend the event as match patron.
Angami Students' Union executives defeated Naga Students' Federation 5-2 during the exhibition match played at the Kohima local ground on Wednesday morning.
The result means ASU have successively won three year's edition.
Avizo Lcho scored the opening goal for ASU XI while Tseituo Mere, Meguo Ratsa, Ruoko Shunyü and Khrietuo Dahou contributed a goal each during the match. Dievi Yano and Sikho Thou scored a goal each for NSF team.
Centurion FC vs Senapati FC at 1:30 pm