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Players of Sechü-Zubza FC and New Market XI seen here with organising committee officials before the semi-final match at Khuochiezie ground on Thursday in Kohima.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 21 (EMN): Debutant Sechü-Zubza FC blanked former champions New Market XI and got its maiden entry into the final of the 25th Classic Cup in the second semi-final match at Khuochiezie ground in Kohima on November 21.
A goal apiece from Visalie Mezhü, Daveikho Maizamo and Rhitsho Mero were enough to send Sechü-Zubza FC into the final of the silver jubilee edition of the Classic Cup.
Sechü-Zubza's first two goals during the first half effectively killed the hopes of New Market XI making it to the final.
Although New Market failed to create sufficient chances, they kept the defenders of Sechü-Zubza FC busy during the early few minutes of the first half. New Market striker Kezhose Mathew came close to scoring the first goal of the match when he failed to head the ball into the empty net after Mezizoto Tetso floated in a dangerous cross from a free-kick in the 21st minute.
Sechü-Zubza created some good opportunities but Medoneituo Sekhose’s shot on goal was denied by Eshong Konyak, the custodian of New Market. Sechü-Zubza's skipper Rhitsho Mero tried his luck but a lame shot from inside the D-box went wide. Later, Mero also missed a sitter in the 36th minute.
Sechü-Zubza finally broke the deadlock and took the lead after a New Market defender made a foul just outside the 18-yard box in the 23rd minute. It caused New Market XI dearly as Visalie Mezhü of Sechü-Zubza FC neatly converted Salu Kulim’s free-kick into a goal. Striker Gideon Leo tried to find the equalizer for New Market with a solo effort in the 38th minute but failed as he pulled his shot wide off the target.
Another goal from Sechü-Zubza’s defender Daveikho Maizamo in the 39th minute shattered the hopes of New Market . Eshong Konyak dropped the ball off a shot from a corner into the feet of Daveikho Maizamo who quickly slotted home for the second goal to end the first half 2-0 in favour of Sechü-Zubza.
After the break, fighting to get back into the game, a desperate New Market failed to capitalise when Kezhose rifled a powerful shot over the crossbar in the 43rd minute from near the edge of the box.
Sechü-Zubza started to trouble their opponent’s defenders on the break and in the process, Yhunshalo Kemp missed a header in the 62nd minute. It was Rhitsho Mero who added the third goal for Sechü-Zubza in the 81st minute off a corner. The decisive corner was taken by a substitute, Khiuwangbo Zeliang, who replaced Visalie Mezhü in the second half.
Without putting a foot wrong on the day, the debutant Sechü-Zubza confirmed its berth in the final with a well-deserved victory.
Sechü-Zubza FC will now clash with Puliebadze Club Jotsoma, the champions of the 2003 edition, in the grand finale at 1:30 pm on November 23.
Mezhü-o Solo, former retired director of Soil Conservation who is also a senior and life member of Classic Club Kohima, attended the semi-final match as the match patron.
