Lotha Football Championship
Wokha, Jan.20: Defending champions NRSA take on tournament dark horse Lower E’ Khel after registering contrasting win in their semi final match in the ongoing Lotha Football Championship at Wokha local ground.
NRSA outplayed Brothers Club Niroyo 5-0 in a one sided first semi final match. NRSA dominated the match from the word go till Ilungrai scored for NRSA in the 44th minutes. The first half ended in 1-0. Coming back strongly, Souhiambou doubled the lead in the hour mark.
Brother’s Club pressed hard for an equalizer but could not beat the strong NRSA defense. Aloumia scored a quick fire hat-trick in the 70, 71 and 82 minute sealing the match for NRSA. In the second semi final, Lower E’ Khel extracted sweet revenge on tournament favourites Friends FC. It was a bad day for Friend’s FC as wave after wave of their attack could not result in a goal, thanks to super goal keeping by Stephen. Friends FC started in a positive note of ball possessing and attacking but surprisingly all the strikers misfired in addition to their woes. Stephen stood tall and failed all possible attacks. The thousands in attendance were stunned to silence when David fired a powerful volley to take 1-0 lead in the first half.
The second half started with more attacks from FFC but could not beat the rival custodian. Dependent Sunep ending the match as a contest when he scored the second goal in the 88th minute by beating Nzanthung and slotting into the empty net.
Dr. T.M Lotha, Advisor to Treasuries and Accounts, Labor and Employment, Skill development and Entrepreneurship Govt. Of Nagaland will grace the closing ceremony as chief guest at 12:00 noon on Saturday.
1. Third place: Brother’s Club vs Friends FC (10:00 a.m)
2. Final: NRSA vs Lower E’ Khel (12 p.m)
