Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 23 (EMN): Barak FC edged past Lengreng FC 2 - 1 in the final to emerge champions of the 6th Capt. (Late) N Kenguruse, MVC (P) Memorial Football Tournament on Wednesday night at IG Stadium in Kohima.
Barak FC and Lengreng FC are both from Peren district, who entered into the final to lock horns with each other.
In the thrilling encounter, Haileuyibe and Kevisanyu Peseyie scored the first and second goal to put Barak FC ahead which emerged as the new champions of the edition.
Lengreng FC fought hard and managed to score a goal through Hainding Disuang in the second half. However, Barak FC defended their 2-1 lead till the final whistle to clinch the championship title.
Winning the game, Barak FC received INR 2,00,000 while runners-up Lengreng FC received INR 1,00,000.
On November 22, Head Hunters FC (164 TA) defeated last edition champions Tehok FC (Mon) with a margin of 2-1 to claim the third position.
Head Hunters received INR 50,000 while Tehok FC received INR 25,000 as the third and fourth position holders respectively during the prize distribution.
In addition, J Alam, chief secretary of Nagaland, who attended the grand finale as the chief guest, donated INR 75,000 to the first prize, INR 50,000 to second prize and INR 25,000 each to third and fourth prizes.
In the individual category, Alemse of Head Hunters FC was adjudged as the best goalkeeper, Hekato Aye of Barak FC as the best defender while Haotingmang Thomsong (Head Hunters FC) as the best midfielder.
All the three players received INR 6,000 each.
The highest scorer award of INR 10,000 was jointly shared by Haileuyibe and Athanah Newmai, both from Barak FC with 6 goals each.
Physio Bappi Adhikari, coach K Kamson and manager Kemapeilungbe of the winning team received INR 5,000 each.
Physio N Kadingambo, coach Chamchangbo and manager Kadilinbo Zeliang of runners-up team reached INR 2,500 each.
Major Aneesh Chandran, officer in-charge of conducting the tournament, informed Eastern Mirror that it was an opportunity for the players from far flung areas to come and participate at the tournament in Kohima.
He also informed that they have recommended the name of the winning team to Nagaland Football Association (NFA) to represent the state in the upcoming Sentinels of the North East Cup to be held next month at Dimapur and Shillong.