Classic Club: Kohima Eagles earn semi-final berth

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Nov. 15 (EMN): Kohima Eagles came from behind to beat Rustic Boys FC Thizama 2-1 to win their semi-final berth of the ongoing 25th Classic Club at the Khuochiezie local ground in Kohima on Friday, November 15.

The thrilling encounter of the first quarter-final match saw substitute Vikhoubeituo scoring the decisive goal to assure Kohima Eagles a spot in the semi-finals when it looked like the game was proceeding to a tie-breaker.

Rustic Boys FC were the first side to take the early lead as within five minutes into the kick off midfielder Jangminlal tapped in the loose grounder into the left bottom corner through a three-pass frenzy.

Kohima Eagles’ Sürhosül Zhotso almost scored in the 24th minute but his header was denied by Neikiezo, the custodian of Rustic Boys while left winger Sinlo Kent too missed the equaliser as his shot rebounded away after hitting the left goal post.

However, just five minutes before the halftime, Kumzuk Ao levelled the score line for Kohima Eagles making it 1-1. It was Shürhosül Zhotso who balanced Ao to score the equaliser in the 35th minute.

Coming back after the breather, Kohima Eagles despite dominating the game wasted numerous chances which came their way.

It looked as though lady luck failed to shine upon Kohima Eagles when skipper Kekhrieletuo Tsira missed a sitter in the 57th minute while Sinlo again headed the ball straight into the right goalpost in the 67th minute.

The stipulated time of 80 minutes play ended in a 1-1 draw and the game further proceeded to the extra time of 15 minutes.

Rustic Boys was culpable of wasting a golden opportunity despite of the low ball possession percentage, Lohrü Kasazhüo who was standing just in front of the opponent goalkeeper received a brilliant pass but he put the chance away as his shot went wide.

It was bench player Vikhoubeituo Yhome who rose up on the occasion and struck the winning goal in the dying moments to seal off the victory in favour of Kohima Eagles.

The last chance for Rustic Boys came in the form of a free- kick following a foul at the edge of the D-box but the spot kick taken by Jangminlal landed straight into the hands of goalkeeper Ikiho Assumi.

With the win, Kohima Eagles will take on the winner of second quarter-final match in the first semi-final match.

Today’s match

FC Chizami United vs Puliebadze Club Jotsoma at 2 pm