KOHIMA, OCTOBER 18: Forerunners FC, 4th NAP, Thizama came from behind to beat debutants P Vizheto FC, Niuland 3-1 to advance to the semi-final of the 17th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy here at Kohima local ground on Tuesday.
In the first half, the police team were trailing behind as Nito of P Vizheto FC scored in the 43rd minutes of the match. However, the police team equalised two minutes later through a free-kick awarded to them in the 45thminute, which Forerunners FC’s left forward Nyethong Rengma successfully converted.
Both the teams had their share of scoring chances throughout the 90-minutes. The goals could have been more from both sides, had the players capitalised on the scoring opportunities that came their way.In the final minutes of the first half, Forerunners FC’s keeper also saved a brilliant long range shot of Nito.
When the match seemed headed for extra time, Medoneituo Suohu gave the Forerunners FC the much-needed lead in the 77th minute, delivering one of the finest goals of this edition so far.
By the 85th minute, it was all over for the team from Niuland as Kezevituo Vizo scored the third goal for the Forerunners FC in the 85th minute.
Before Forerunners scored their third goal, Lalrintluanga should have equalised when he came one-on-one with the keeper, but his shot went straight to the keeper.
Earlier, playing the first match of the game, defending champions Barak FC from Peren downed Tiema-Khe, Kidima 4-1 to enter the semis.
The match became a one-sided affair as the defending champions proved too strong for the Kidima team who were left helpless.
Aloumei gave Barak FC the first lead in the 22nd minute, followed by the second through Salu in the 34th minute.
In the second half, Tiema-Khe scored an early goal through their talismanic striker Shürhosül Pucho in the 47th minute. But the celebration for the Kidima team was short lived as Nampi netted the third for Barak in the 50th minute.
One of the leading scorers for Barak FC Rhitso Mero was on target again in the 86th minute to seal the match 4-1 in favour of the defending champions.
With their respective victories, Barak FC and Forerunners FC, 4th NAP will play in the second semi-final on October 20 at 1 pm.
The match patrons for the third and fourth quarterfinal matches were Watienla Jamir, director, Department of Horticulture, and Kevithuto Sophie, AIG (Supply), PHQ, Kohima.
Meanwhile, the organisers have informed that the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilato Mor, would attend the first semi-final on October 19 as the match patron.
1ST SEMIFINAL Match OCTOBER 19
Nagaland Police (Red) Vs Nagaland Police (Blue)
@ 1 pm
