Dimapur, Nov. 9 (EMN): After getting an equaliser deep into regulation time, Sangzi FC then outgunned Khulioh King FC in the ensuing penalty shootout to lift the 25th edition of Loyem Memorial Senior Soccer Open Championship at Tuensang town on Thursday.
An update from the organisers informed that Sangzi claimed the championship by outscoring its opponents 3-2 during the tie-breaker. Khulioh King was the first to draw blood – early in the 4th minute – when Shellem found the back of the net. It took another 85 minutes for Sangzi to conjure a response. Barely two minutes from regulation time, in the 88th minute, Sangzi’s Salu came up with the equaliser – leaving the game in a stalemate at the end of regulation time. Neither of the team could score during extra time.
During the penalty shootout, Sangzi’s goalie proved to be the hero even as he saved three penalty kicks to help his team claim the championship via a 3-2 scoreline.
The winning team was rewarded a cash prize of Rs. 2.5 lakh while the runner-up received Rs 1.5 lakh. Two teams – Ngangpong FC and Scavenger Hunt FC – were adjudged ‘best losing teams’ and rewarded Rs. 25 thousand each.
The ‘A’ team of Donching Yangmei FC was declared as the ‘most promising team’ and received a cash prize of Rs. 5000.
“In the individual category, golden glove was bagged by Kumzuk Chang of Scavenger Hunt FC, golden ball was awarded to Kedon Kweho of Sangzi FC. There was a tie in the golden boot award, Awangbo of Ngangpong FC and Kelep of Scavenger Hunt FC shared the golden boot award by scoring seven goals each. Cash prize of fifteen thousand each and certificate was awarded to individual category,” it informed.
