KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 30: Defending champions Barak FC humbled Street Hawks FC 5-0 to enter the next round of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy here at Kohima local ground on Friday. Barak FC, who lifted the title on the last two editions, would be vying for the third this year.
With 5-0 victory margin, the defending champions have also signalled their entry into the tournament as one of the favourite contenders even this year. However, the journey for Barak to lift the title this year is being questioned by many football fans as they are without some of their key players.
The absence of both their midfielders Tingyek Konyak and Kekhrie Tsira would be felt as these two players were the top performers for Barak in the two previous editions. Kekhrie Tsira is playing for Nagaland Police (Red) in the ongoing tournament, while Barak’s former captain Tingyek Konyak is not featuring in this edition as he is currently playing for a club in Shillong.
Barak FC would also miss their defender Sangyem who is playing for Nagaland Police (Red) this year. As for this edition, all hope is not lost for Barak FC as they have grabbed some prominent players to their squad. Making his debut for Barak FC, Rhitsho Mero scored hat-trick to lead his team to ensure a comfortable victory for the team from Peren.Rhitsho scored the first goal in the 14th minute when the Street Hawk’s keeper misjudged his header, while Salu Kulim gave the defending champions the second lead in the 22nd minute.
During the second half, Rhitsho scored again in the 46th minute; and went on to score his hat-trick goal in the 54th minute, thanks to the Street Hawks FC keeper who let the ball pass through his knees. Trailing 4-0, the Street Hawks FC were further left disappointed as one of their defenders committed an own goal in the 59th minute.
Earlier in the first match, Tragopan Club, Viswema also entered the next round following their victory over FC Phusachodu. Though FC Phusachodu took the first lead through Neikhoto Chürah in the 38th minute, Tragopan Club came from behind to come out victorious. The goals for Tragopan were scored by Viho Kin and Bamdibe Kulimbe in the 62nd and 66th minutes respectively.
In the second match, Asufü Christian Institute had a convincing victory over Renegades FC 3-0. Loli scored the first goal in the 12th minute, while J Dhale netted the second goal in the 34th minute. Loli again went on to score the third goal in the final minute of the match.
Playing the last match of the day, Phileo FC defeated Kezoma Village Students’ Union 3-0 to make it to the next round. Rokongulie Vietso scored in the 4th minute to give Phileo FC the advantage in the first half. Phileo could have made it 2-0 before the interval had their captain successfully converted a penalty, but his kick missed the target and went far to the right post of the keeper.
In the second half, Phileo took control of the match when Zewetso Kapfo scored the second goal in the 53rd minute. Just before the final whistle, Surhozo Khamo scored in the 70th minute to make it 3-0 in favour of Phileo FC.
