[caption id="attachment_216429" align="aligncenter" width="565"]
Rhitsho Mero, in green, fights for ball against Kohima Royal Kick’s player at the Kohima local ground on Mon. Nov. 5. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 5 (EMN): Rhitsho Mero scored a hat-trick as Head Hunters Jakhama ran riot against Kohima Royal Kick’s 8-0 in an encounter during the ongoing 24th Classic Cup here at the Kohima local ground on Mon. Nov. 5.
Rhitsho struck thrice, while Chingsha Phom and Petevizo added two goals each to register an emphatic win.
Playing a 60 minute match, Rhitsho Mero opened the account within the introduction of the match as he thumped home the lead in the first minute after their opponent defender misjudged the ball for an offside position.
He added his second in the 13th minute while Chingsha Phom added two scored in the 19th and 26th minute to make it 4-0 before the half time for Head Hunters.
It was a one-sided match despite the Head Hunters coach made some changes in the second half but substitute Khekiho found the net in the 35th minute and Rhitsho completed his hat-trick in the 40th minute. He became the second hat-trick scorer of the tournament
Petevizo Kezieo who came on from the behind in the second half also scored twice in the 44th and 61st minute.
Up next, Head Hunter Jakhama will take on Zhadima Jr. FC in their pre-quarterfinal match on Nov. 8.
While, Fore Runners Thizama defeated Chizami United via tie-breaker 4-2 after the match ended in 1-1 draw in the first match.
Thizama team was the lucky winner as two Chizami players missed their shot in the penalty to hand the victory for their opponent team.
In the match, Thizama dominated the proceeding but the blunt attack failed to threaten the goalkeeper. Their forwards were culpable of missing numerous chances as they failed to find the back of the net in the first half. Chizami team nervously defended the score line.
In the second half, it was a moment of brilliance from Chizami forward Eneibe Thopi who dribbled past the defender and slotted home over the keeper in the 48th minute to give the lead.
But that was not all as Thizama team fought back and finally got the equaliser in the dying minutes through Lima Kumzuk with a minute remaining in the match to decide the match through penalties.
Hard luck for Chizami United FC as Lhikhro and skipper Tshepetso missed the target for Thizama team to win the penalties 4-2 and send them through to pre-quarterfinal round.
In the next round, Fore Runner will clash against Phoenix FC on Nov. 8.
Tuesday’s matches
Chedema V.Y.O vs The Quakers FC at 12:30 pm
Ethereal FC vs United VSN Dimapur at 2pm
