Naga FC, HQIGAR (N), Aboi FC, Liangmai FC books semi-final berths
[caption id="attachment_74685" align="alignleft" width="300"]
Players in action during the quarterfinal match between IGAR-North (Blue) and 164 Head Hunter Naga (Orange) at Kohima Local Ground on Thursday.[/caption]
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 15: HQIGAR (N), reduced to 10-man, overcame 164 TA Head Hunter Naga to enter the last four of the ongoing Captain Neikezhakuo Football Memorial Tournament here at Kohima local ground on Thursday.
The Assam Rifles team registered their entry to the semis with a victory margin of 3-2.
During the match, 164 TA Head Hunter Naga injected the first wound through their left forward Khekiho within the first 10 minutes of the match. Within no time, the IGAR (N) equalised when their striker J. Golmei’s shot got passed the keeper. Minutes before the interval, Zuala gave the IGAR team the much-needed lead to make it 2-1.
During the second half, the Head Hunters entered with a rejuvenated spirit to stay in the game. Within the first few minutes, Head Hunters scored the equaliser through their substitute player Chumben.The match was equally poised and seemed like it was heading for a tie-break, but it was nightmarish for the Head Hunters as the IGAR (N) were awarded a penalty which H.L. Kigpen successfully converted to take the score line to 3-2.
Following the harsh decision, the Head Hunters protested against the referee, and this invited more yellow cards. J Golmei of IGAR and Ahezo of Head Hunters book their yellow card.
Following a red card was shown to their centre-forward Z. Zuala during the second half, the IGAR team played defensively till the end to ensure their entry victory. Zuala was sent off for being penalised with two yellow cards in the match. Zuala will only blame himself for missing the semi-final match on Saturday as the second yellow card was shown in the second half as the referee fouled him for unfair play in wasting time.
Up next, HQIGAR (N) will be facing Liangmai FC in the semi-final on September 17.
Earlier, in the first match at local ground, the defending champions Naga FC overcame Ungam FC 1-0 to register their entry in the last four. The defending champs were given a tough test by the Mokokchung team who were up to with their best.
Playing the first quarterfinal match at Tsiese Basa Local Ground, Liangmai FC downed Vanguard FC 2-1 to enter the semis. Liangma FC took the lead in the 31st minute through Poodikhunbi to take the score line to 1-0 till the interval. After the break, Athama scored in the 72nd minute to make it 2-1. Vanguard FC fought back to stay in the game but could only find a consolation goal scored by Bandi in the 79th minute.
In the other quarterfinal match, the Aboi FC trounced Khaibung FC 3-2 to make their way to the semis. The team from Mon took the first lead through centre-forward Samson in the 7th minute. Khaibung FC came back with the equaliser scored by David in the 26th minute. Just minutes before the interval, Aboi FC to the score line to 2-1 after John’s touch found the net.
In the second half, the Aboi FC went ahead again with Samson scoring in the 56th minute. Trailing behind, the Khaibung FC fought to stay in the game. It was Thangounang of Khaibung FC who scored in the 66th minute to bring back the game alive.
Entering the final minutes, the Khaibung FC pressed hard to level the game, but couldn’t make a successful penetration to the opponent’s defence.
