Dimapur, May 28 (EMN): Defending champions Trinity Sporting and Nizams FC booked the final berth of the Case Premier League after winning their respective semi-final matches and set up a final clash on June 2.
According to updates from the organisers on Monday, the semi-finals of Case Premier League Season 3 produced exciting football with goals galore. None of the teams were ready to play defensive football and the spectators were treated to some wonderful displays which belied the age of the players.
In the first match, Nizams FC cruised to the finals after thrashing Teammate 4-1. Nizams went full throttle from the kickoff. Defending errors from Teammate lead to a penalty in two minutes where Pele of Nizams FC converted the spot kick to give the lead.
Teammate leveled the scoreline through Taliyanger in the 23rd minute. Bt Nizams FC striker squandered a lot chances as Mhachen gave the lead again through a fine one-two with Pito beating the keeper to put the ball into the net. The first half was an evenly contested match where both teams were trying to get the upper hand with Nizams FC enjoying most of the ball possession.
After the break, Mhachen scored again to make it 3-1. Keeper Lima of Teammate was resolute denying almost all the goal scoring opportunities. Pele added to his tally by scoring a screamer from 40 yards.Gradually the Nizams' quality shone and they lead 4-1 till the end of the final whistle.
Defending Champions Trinity Sporting edged past Case FC 4-3 in the other semi final match. Case FC struggled without their main keeper, Jaimeren, serving a one-match ban who could only watch from the sidelines.
Trinity drew first blood as they opened the score through Atokito within 3 minutes. A sublime long ball from the midfield by Lipok landed at the foot of Atokito to tap into the back of the net. Akum levelled the score with a wonderful run beating the defence. Case FC keeper fumbled a long-range effort from Lanusubu to make it 2-1 in favour of Trinity.
Both the teams played very open attacking football with the game see sawing from one side to the other. After the break, Atokito completed his hattrick, scoring two goals within 5 minutes to make it 4-1.
Edging towards full time, Chichang and Akum proved their mettle as they both scored in the last 5 minutes to make 4-3. Case FC continued to pursue for the equalizer. In the end, the experience of the Trinity players in holding on to a strong position eventually helped them to a 4-3 win. However, it was a game which any of the two sides could have won.
