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Players of Sechu Zubza (in red) and New Market in action during their league match at the Kohima local ground on Wednesday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Aug. 15: Gideon Leo scored a hat-trick as third placed New Market FC beat league leaders Sechu Zubza 5-2 in a thrilling encounter here at the Kohima local ground on Wednesday.
Sechu Zubza suffered the second defeat in the tournament after New Market striker Gideon Leo struck three times in the match to make sure New Market’s title challenge is within the reach if they can win the other two remaining matches.
New Market’s win will also open space for defending champions Ziekiezuo SC to retain the title. The top three team will now have to win the remaining two matches to take the title of the 2nd Kohima Football League.
All the top three team has played 10 matches each. New Market XI has 18 points; Sechu Zubza remained on top with 20 points on better goal difference (17). Second placed Ziekiezou SC also has 20 points.
The next matches between New Market and Ziekezou, Sechu Zubza FC and Khriekesa will be the crucial matches to decide the winner of the Kohima Football League.
In the match, New Market scored three goals in the first half with a brace from Gideon Leo and a goal from Salu Kulim. Gideon Leo completed his hat-trick in the 67th minute of the second half. While Rhitsho Mero scored the fifth goal for New Market to finish the game.
Sechu Zubza team played without two key players (a central defender and a midfielder) in the match which was a turning point for the team, while New Market seized the opportunity to overcome the league leaders in the encounter.
In the match, Gideon Leo opened the account for New Market in 4th minute. Kekhrieletuo Tsira did found the equaliser in the 15th minute for Zubza team.
Gideon Leo scored his second goal in 29th minute. While Salu Kulim added the third goal in 34th minute to end the first half with 3-1 in favour of New Market.
In the second half, Rhitsho Mero scored in the 49th minute and Gideon Leo struck in the 67th minute to complete his hat-trick.
Shurhosul Zhotso scored the second goal in 69th minute for Sechu Zubza but it was too late as New Market defended the score till the end of the match to win the match.
Team manager Neidilhoutuo Sechu after losing the match said "New Market played a very good match today. They dominated us in all the departments.
"As for us, we played without both the central defenders today. One got injured in the last match, while Kechi got injured in the first half.
Meanwhile, our central midfielder Awang only entered in the second half as he had mild fever this morning.
Now it’s a do or die situation in both the remaining matches."
Thursday's match
Twenty XI FC Viswema vs United 16 FC at 2 pm