[caption id="attachment_217108" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Players of Kuluopfu FC, in blue, and Tiema-Khe Kidima vying for the ball during their pre-quarterfinal match of the 24th Classic Cup at the Kohima local ground on Fri. Nov. 9. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 9 (EMN): Dominic Ngouri struck twice in either half to secure a 2-1 victory for Kuluopfu FC Pochury over Tiema-Khe Kidima during their pre-quarterfinal match of the ongoing 24th Classic Cup here at the Kohima local ground on Fri. Nov. 9.
Pochury team came from behind to book their quarterfinal berth through a solo effort from their captain Ngouri.
In the match, Dupisa Pucho scored in the 14th minute for Tiema-Khe team. But the lead didn't last long as a goalkeeping error from Tiema-Khe handed a goal to Pochury team. Ngouri headed home the equaliser goal following a poor clearance from the keeper.
In the second half, Kidima team made a better start of the two but couldn't breakthrough. In a moment of brilliance, Ngouri doubled the lead in the 52nd minute for Pochury team. The team went on to defend the lead till the final whistle to make it through to the next round.
Phezoucha beat Kohima Eagles via tie breaker
Last year's semi-finalist Kohima Eagles FC suffered a shocking 4-3 defeat via tie-breaker at the hands of Phezoucha Youth Organisation after the match ended in 2-2 draw.
Phezoucha team ended the saga of Kohima Eagles hope as they crushed out in their first match in pre-quarters.
Phezoucha were two goals down in the first half but made a comeback in the second half from defensive errors to find the equaliser. Kohima Eagles FC coach substitutes in the second half hindered the flow of the match as the opponent scored two quick goals in nine minutes.
In the match, Kohima started off brightly and Khrieneituo Kezieo opened the scoring in the 11th minute and Vikehiezo Mejura scored a screamer in the 25th minute to make it 2-0 in the first half.
But in the second half, Ruokuosezo scored from a defensive error in the 43rd minute for Phezoucha team. The rejuvenated side got their breakthrough again in the 52nd minute as Kevi Thupz scored from a free kick that got deflected by the defenders back into its own net. The match ended in stalemate to decide the match via penalties.
In the penalty shootout, Phezoucha team won by 4-3 against Kohima Eagles to book their quarterfinal round. Up next, Phezoucha will take on Pochury team in the quarter-final match on Nov. 14.
Saturday’s pre-quarterfinal match
United V&N, Dimapur vs Kings FC at 2pm
