Kohima, Nov. 19 (EMN): Classic Club Kohima (CCK) defeated Kohima Press Club (KPC) 4-1 to lift the 10th Challenger Cup played here at Kohima local ground on Sunday.
In the match, KPC opened the scoring through Narain B. Sagar of Kohima Press Club in the 3rd minute but an equaliser goal was scored by Alakuo in the 34th minute, the first half ended with 1-1 score-line.
In the second half, with more substitute players replacing the aged players of Classic Club, they took the advantage and started dominating the play with Mhaler Sekhose scoring the second goal in the 41st minute. Ruovizhalie scored a brace in the 45th and 49th minute to seal the victory for Classic Club.
In individual prizes, Narain B. Sagar of KPC was adjudged the best scorer of the match, best defender was bagged by Tseituo Mere of CCK, best goalkeeper bagged by H.K. Chishi of KPC, best midfielder bagged by Neibu Sechii of KPC, the highest goal scorer bagged by Ruovizhalie of CCK and player of the tournament bagged by Neibu Sekhose president of CCK. All the individual prize winners received certificate from the guest of honour, Vizale Sale pastor CRC Merhulietsa.
Earlier, a ‘thanksgiving service’, commemorating the 10th anniversary of friendship and camaraderie between the two clubs, was held before the match.
KPC president Xavier Rutsa lauded the Classic Club for having organised the annual Classic Cup continuously since 1995, promoting the game of football among the youth. He also acknowledged the club for incorporating the Challenger Cup as part of the annual football tournament from 2006 onwards, which, he said, has strengthened cooperation and friendship between the KPC and the Classic Club.
Rutsa also paid tributes to Sahu Yiese of Classic Club and S Daiho Mao of KPC who had actively participated in the earlier editions of the Challenger Cup but have now passed away.
Classic Club president K Neibou Sekhose, in his brief speech, highlighted the history of the Challenger Cup. He said that even though the foot-balling skills of the members of the two clubs may not have improved much but the annual exhibition match has strengthened the bond between them. He expressed that God has given them ‘this wonderful fellowship’ and was optimistic that it could bring positive changes to the society.
Special guest of the occasion, Baptist Mission Church pastor Rev. Moa Longchari exhorted the gathering that the actual meaning of thanksgiving was a prayer. Delivering a brief yet short message of kinship of people from all walks of life, he stated that Jesus Christ compares each person to His body and each person has a role to play in this life which is not more important or less important than others’.
He appreciated the relationship shared by the KPC and Classic Club and called upon them to uphold the bond and give their best shot wherever they are placed.
Fixture for Monday
Classic Cup final match
New Market XI vs Barak FC at 1:30 pm
