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Players of Puliebadze Club celebrating after winning their quarter-final match against FC Chizami United at the ongoing 25th Classic Cup at Khuochiezie local ground in Kohima on Saturday, November 16. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 16 (EMN): Puliebadze Club Jotsoma defeated FC Chizami United 3-1 to enter the semi-finals of the ongoing 25th edition of Classic Cup played at the Khuociezie local ground in Kohima on Saturday, November 16.
Two spot kicks were converted into goals by striker Ngachonhor of Puliebadze Club Jotsoma following a tackle within the 18 yard circle in the 63rd minute and a foul at the edge of the D-box in the 80th minute which cost FC Chizami United dearly.
Puliebadze Club almost took the lead within two minutes into the game but midfielder Paotinmang Singsit who came close to scoring, skied the ball over the goal from near the goal area.
On the other hand, Chizami United also got an opportunity in the 8th minute but Tshezokhro Rhakho put the chance away by kicking the ball straight into the hands of Tsoneru Odyuo, the opponent’s goalkeeper.
Puliebadze Club again wasted some opportunities when Ngachonhor's powerful shot hit the right goalpost in the 35th minute before he missed another sitter when he came one on one with the opponent’s goalkeeper two minutes later.
With no decisive move being made from both the teams, the first half ended in a goalless draw.
However, coming back after the lemon break, Puliebadze Club broke the deadlock with Ngachonhor neatly converting the penalty in the 63rd minute following a harsh tackle inside the box by the oppponent defence for which the referee awarded the spot kick.
But six minutes later, Weselhi Thopi gave the equaliser for Chizami United making it 1-1. The shot from his teammate Tshezokhro Rhakho got rebounded from the opponent’s goalkeeper and landed straight into the feet of Thopi who made no mistake in scoring the much needed goal.
However, the happiness of Chizami United was short-lived as their fate was sealed when Menuosieto struck in the second half for Puliebadze Club while Ngachonhor scoring the last-minute goal from a free-kick to assure a spot for Puliebadze Club in the semi-finals .
Monday’s match:
New Market XI vs FC Pochury at 2 pm
