Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 17
Defending champions Barak FC downed Naga FC 1-0 to enter the final of the ongoing 21st Classic Cup Tournament held at Kohima Local ground.
The team from Peren, who also lifted the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy just last month on October 15, will now look to defend their title on November 20 at the same venue. They will play against the winner of the second semifinal match between Head Hunters, Naga Regiment and HQ IGAR (North), to be played on Wednesday at 2 pm.
Barak’s lone goal was scored by their centre forward Nzahutbo Nbung in the 16th minute. Except the decisive goal from Nzahutbo in the first half, the match remained equally poised till the final minutes.Trailing behind, the Naga FC players fought back determinedly to stay in the game, but the effort went in vain as they failed to capitalize the scoring opportunities that came their way.
Had Naga FC capitalized the set pieces that favoured them, they would have netted the equalizer, even to the extent of taking the lead. However, failing to deliver the set pieces and the lack of scoring touches kept them behind the defending champs all throughout the match.
As compared to the first half, the second half witnessed the better from both the teams who exhibited quality and competitive football.
Entering the final minutes of the match, Naga FC gave their all to find the equalizer, but the strong defence line up of Barak FC kept frustrating them. Naga FC forward players made some swift penetrations against the rival’s defence, but missed their chances.
Meanwhile, Barak FC also kept their momentum going with continuous attacks. A fine attempt from the left corner almost gave Barak FC the second goal, but the custodian of Naga FC was quick to respond.
Moving into the additional minutes, Naga FC’s midfielder Aloumei Panmei would have netted the equalizer, but the shot got deflected through the touch of Barak’s keeper Pesuidibe Zeliang, to make it a corner.
Going by the match, the best of Naga FC came during the final minutes. They went all out to net the equalizer, thereby keeping the rival’s defence busy.
In the end, Barak’s solitary scored by Nzahutbo was good enough to take them to the final for the second straight year.
The ‘Hero of the Match’ with a cash package of Rs. 3,000 was awarded to Mayosingh Khongreiwa of Barak FC, while Aloumei Panmei of Naga FC bagged the award of ‘Swift Movement’.
He received a cash award of Rs. 2,500.
The Naga FC,as losing semifinalist, received a cash award of Rs. 25,000.
FIXTURE FOR 2ND SEMIFINAL (WEDNESDAY)
HQ IGAR (North)
Vs
Head Hunters
(Naga Regiment)
@ 2 pm
