Our Correspondent
Kohima, August 31
Elite Football Club, Naga Bazaar and Head Hunters XI are the second pair for the semi-final match of the Classic Cup organized by Classic Club Kohima in the local ground.
Playing their respective quarter-final matches, Elite FC defeated Billy Graham FC by 2-1 while Head Hunters XI knocked Addax Club by 3-0.
In the third quarter final match, Elite FC came from behind to win the match in the golden goal (15 minutes extra time) as the teams were locked in 1-1 draw during the stipulated 80 minutes play.
The equally competent teams failed to give much of an exciting moment to the mammoth spectator hoping for it and were unable to take lead against each other resulting in a disappointing goalless draw for the first 40 minute of the game.
Nonetheless, eight minutes into the breather Billy Graham found the lead through Shalu but they could not reign upon their rivals as Elite FC forward Graceson (7) struck the equalizer in the 62nd minute.
The remaining 18 minutes didn’t see any decisive move from both sides and the stipulated time ended in 1-1 draw.
In the 15 minutes extra with application of golden goal rule, the first half of extra time also ended without any success. But, defender Michael pulling down Graceson inside the danger zone in the 12th minute cost they drastically as the match referee Meyieto awarded penalty spot kick.
Taking the shot, Soihampou (14) neatly converted into the winning goal booking the semi-final berth.
In the last quarter-final match of the tourney, Head Hunters triumphed over Addax Club by 3-0.
Head Hunters managed to gain a comfortable early lead within the fourth minute as defender Zaphungulie Khezhie handball inside the box resulted in a penalty spot kick, which was converted by Reho Jamir (5). Addax got an equalizing chance in the 12th minute, but Vibeizotuo’s feeble shot was easily collected by custodian Welungbo (1).
Head Hunters also missed chances of scoring but Khekiho (12) failed to materialize two such opportunities. Before the break Addax made two desperate attempts through Kelhoulezo Kire and Kikrusetuo Kire but to no avail and the army players continued to hold the lead.
After the lemon break Head Hunters managed to triple their lead with Khekiho giving the first confirmation with second goal in the 49th minute while Medo Angami (23) sealed the score board with the third lead in the 64th minute.
In the second half too Addax players tried hard to penetrate into the rival zone but the defence line was strong enough to thwart any infiltration attempts and managing to hold them back at nil.
The two winners of the day will now clash in the second semi-final scheduled for September 3 at 3:00 pm.
[tabs type="horizontal"][tabs_head][tab_title]MATCH FOR SEPTEMBER 2[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]SEMI-FINAL Time: 3:00 pm New Market XI Vs Kohima Komets[/tab][/tabs]
