25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy enters Kohima leg

KOHIMA — A total of eight matches of the 25th anniversary edition of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy were played at Chümoukedima Football Stadium from September 23 to October 1.

The tournament, which began on September 13, has a total of 36 matches scheduled across two venues – eight in Chümoukedima Football Stadium and 28 in Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

The winning teams at Chümoukedima Football Stadium were Football 4 Change; Dimapur Chaos; Damokles FC Medziphema; two wins each for Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT) and Kuki United FC, Manipur; and Jakhama Youth Organisation (YO).

On September 23, Football 4 Change defeated Sechü Zubza Football Academy (SZFA) 5-2. Nehminlun, Lungin (two goals) and Alpha (two goals) scored for Football 4 Change, while Rokosalie Nipu and Vimeyieto Nipu netted for SZFA.

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In match no. 17 on September 24, Dimapur Chaos beat Phesazou SC Chiechama 6-0. Apeto scored a hat-trick, while Gangchui, Asezo and Mughatuto added one goal each.

In match no. 21 on September 29, a hat-trick by Mecievi Khieya led Jakhama Youth Organisation to a 4-0 win against Patkai Christian College. Keduhoto Zao also scored in the 41st minute. However, Jakhama YO later lost to Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT) two days later.

ALT beat Kirha FC 1-0 on September 27 in a tightly contested match, with Winkle scoring the decisive goal in the 26th minute. The team from Manipur continued their winning streak with a 6-1 victory against Jakhama YO on October 1.

Thumsol scored three goals, Changkingum two, and Winkle added one more. Kunuzo Venyo scored the lone goal for Jakhama YO.

From October 2, the remaining matches are being played at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

At IG Stadium on Thursday, Chedema Village Youth Organisation beat United Brothers Club 7-1. Lunmincian scored a hat-trick, and Benjamin added two goals, while Lenboilun and Menuophretu scored one each. The lone goal for United Brothers Club came from Thejavizo Peseyie in the 60th minute.

In match no. 25 on Thursday, Mez & Co defeated Nurturing Youngsters 9-0. Bijoy Moktan scored four goals, while Tangua Ragui, L. Thangkholen Khongsi, Noulevituo Pienyü, Yitachu Thupetor, and an own goal completed the tally.

Sadar Hills FA barred for three consecutive editions

The jury board of the 25th anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy has banned Sadar Hills Football Academy Manipur from participating in the tournament for three consecutive editions with immediate effect.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the jury board said it received an “official communique” from the club “expressing their inability to participate in their third match” of the ongoing tournament, scheduled against Michazou Football Club Kohima on October 3 at 12 noon at Indira Gandhi (IG) Stadium, Kohima.

The statement, signed by Medo Yhokha, convenor of the steering committee, and Diezevisie Nakhro, president of the Angami Students' Union, said that acting on the communiqué, the board decided to take action against the club in accordance with By-Law Rule No. 24.

According to the rule, all playing teams must complete their match engagements and formalities as per the fixture made by the organising committee/steering committee. Failing which, the “walkover” will be applied against the defaulting team, and action will be initiated as deemed appropriate thereof.

The jury informed that henceforth, the team management officials, 20 players and Sadar Hills Football Academy Manipur stood banned from participating in the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy for three consecutive editions with immediate effect.

It was also recalled that Sadar Hills FA had secured big victories in its two previous matches, in which the club defeated Wolves 13–0 on September 15 and Nagaland University Kohima Campus 4–0 on September 20.