Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 20
Barak FC downed HQ IGAR (North) via tie-break to emerge as the champions of the 21st Classic Cup 2015 held at Kohima Local Ground.
Playing an exciting final match on a sunny November afternoon, the defending champs Barak came from behind to overcome their rivals IGAR (N) who performed exceptionally well to give the Khuochiezie crowd a befitting final.
With the victory today, Barak has defended their title, following their victory in the final of the last edition.
The IGAR (N) will go home with lots of regrets as they let go their opportunity twice of lifting the title; firstly during the stipulated time where they took the lead, and secondly in the tie-break which they had upper hand too.
They (IGAR) conceded the defeat as three of their spot kick takers missed the target against Barak FC who only missed the two.
As if luck would have favoured them, Barak survived a scare during the stipulated 90 minutes match thanks to their left forward Mayoshing Khongriwo who netted the equalizer in the 83rd minute.
The team from Peren was on the receiving end after IGAR’s left forward K. Chizo made an early breakthrough in the 17thminute.
Following IGAR’s lone goal, the Barak players pushed for the much needed equalizer until they found a savior in Mayoshing Khongriwo who scored in the penultimate minutes of the match. Mayoshing have been on limelight for his consistent performance in this edition. Mention be made that he was also the ‘Hero of the Match’ in the first semifinal on November 17 against Naga FC.
Trailing behind, Barak FC, who were also the champions of the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy 2015 and 2014, counted on wasted opportunities to find the equalizer. They went all out to push for the equalizer, but were left frustrated number of times as they only have to blame themselves for failing to make successful penetrations.
Going by the match, the IGAR (N), who scored first had the upper hand, but the defending champs had the majority ball possession.
In failing to capitalize the numerous scoring chances that came their way, the Barak players were seen to be furious upon themselves. On couple of occasions, the defending champs came very close in netting the equalizer, but went in vain.
Even in the first half, Barak’s centre forward Keyidwasaplung Kulim almost found the equalizer, but the ball got deflected through the touch of IGAR’s keeper Narzari.
Minutes later, IGAR could have taken the second lead had their striker Abel Sema converted the golden opportunity that came his way. Unlucky that Abel collided with Barak’s keeper Peisuidibe Zeliang which led to his injury, leading to his substitution.
With Abel’s injury, IGAR (N) suffered double set-back as their talisman Demo, who was also the leading scorer of IGAR in this edition, had to miss the final match following a red card in the semifinal against Head Hunters on November 18.
Entering the second half of the match, Barak FC again got another opportunity when their substitute player Ratobe delivered a dangerous cross from the far right corner, but Keyidwasaplung failed to connect it in time.
All out to stay in the game, a rejuvenated Barak kept troubling the IGAR’s defence line. Becoming unstable, they were on the go to find the much needed goal.
Moving into the last quarter of the match, Barak’s skipper Tingyek Konyak gave a scare to the rivals’ keeper with a long range shot, but went above the bar.
When the match was almost heading IGAR’s way, Mayoshing surprised the Khuochiezie crowd when he got past the keeper with his brilliant left foot shot.
The spectators, who have come to witness quality and competitive football, were of their feet as the match headed for extra time. The match headed for tie-break as both the teams failed to convert in extra time.
The champions Barak FC walked home richer with Rs. 1,50,000 along with trophy and citations, while the runners-up received Rs. 80,000 and citations.
The ‘Hero of the Match’ was given to IGAR (North) player K. Chizo, while Barak FC skipper Tingyek Konyak was given the ‘Swift Movement of the Match’ award. They received a cash award of Rs. 3,000 and Rs 2,500 respectively.
The closing function was graced by Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, Minister of Forest, Environment and Climate Change as the chief guest.
