Head Hunters player-coach Tia takes team to semifinal

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 23:  Tia Yanger, the player-coach of Head Hunters scored a late goal as his team came from behind to beat 10-man Elite FC 2-1 to advance to the semis at the ongoing 22nd Classic Cup tournament here at Kohima local ground. Tia Yanger entered the field only after the interval and scored a vital 63rd-minute goal, to guide his team to the round of last four. They will play Barak FC in the semi-final on November 26. The Head Hunters were made to trail very early in the game when Aloumei Panmei drew first blood for Elite FC in the 7th minute. However, the Head Hunters came back to the game by scoring the equaliser just before the interval in the 39th minute through Chumbenthung Kikon. As if luck was on their side, the Head Hunters were given an advantage when Elite FC’s defender Moa Sunep was shown a red card for unsporting behaviour during the second half. Moa Sunep was shown the red, following the yellow card penalised upon him in the first half. The Head Hunters utilised the opportunity to their advantage by scoring the much-needed equaliser, good enough to take them to the semis. Elite FC players fought back determinedly to come back in the game but failed to capitalise the opportunity that came their way. They created enough scoring chances, but all the shots went out of the target. Elite’s players on a couple of occasions came one-on-one with the keeper of Head Hunters, but they were only left to be dejected as the Head Hunters were successful in keeping them away from scoring more. Soihiampou of Elite FC and Chumbenthung Kikon and Chubatemjen Imsong of Head Hunters were also cautioned with yellow cards during the 80 minutes match. 3rd QUARTERFINAL FIXTURE (November 24) Naga FC Vs M.T. Youth Club @ 2 pm