Neidilhoutuo Sechü
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 15
Defending champions Barak FC, Peren trounced Khulioh King FC, Tuensang 3-0 to lift the 16th NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy for the second consecutive year.
The debutant Khulioh King FC, who according to soccer aficionados were only considered as having ‘only an outside chance’ to lift the title, went accordingly with the predictions as they went down to Barak today during the final at Kohima Local Ground.
The Tuensang team suffered defeat within the first half as they were down three behind even before the interval. The three goals deficit placed them with no chance of turning the match back to their favour against the formidable Barak FC.
Disappointingly, the packed Khuochiezie crowd witnessed a one-sided final. One would say, majority of the spectators arrived at the venue wanting to watch quality and competitive football. Whatever be the results, the good news as of now is that Barak FC will be back at Khuochiezie next year to defend their title.
Barak FC made the breakthrough in the 11th minute through Salu Kulim. Much to the jubilation of Barak’s supporters, their centre forward Nzauhutbo Nbung scored the second goal as he got past the keeper in the 28th minute.Just one minute before the interval, Barak’s midfielder Kekhrieletuo Tsira found the net in the 44th minute to take the score line to 3-0.
The second half saw the better of Khulioh King, but their effort to find a face saving goal failed as they couldn’t capitalize the chances that came their way.
Though the second half witnessed no goals from both the teams, yet, the Tuensang team atleast gave the Khuochiezie crowd something worth as they fought back determinedly to stay in the game.
By lifting the trophy, Barak FC walked home richer with Rs. 1,60,000, while the runners-up Khulioh King FC received Rs. 1,00,000 along with trophy and citations.
As for the individual awards, the ‘Player of the tournament’ was awarded to Nungsang Ao of Khulioh King FC. The other awards included, Best keeper by Pusuidibe Zeliang of Barak FC, Best defender by Sanyem Salym of Barak FC and Best Midfielder by Yamay of Senapati FC.
The title of the highest scorer was shared by Meren of Pro-Streax United, Dimapur and Nungsang Ao of Khulioh King FC, Tuensang, who both scored ten goals in the month-long tournament.
