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Players of Ziekiezuo SC (in orange) and United 16 vies for the ball during their last league match on Friday at the Kohima local ground. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Aug. 24 (EMN): Defending champions Ziekiezuo SC thrashed United 16 FC 7-1 in their last league match to keep the title race alive till the last match at the 2nd Kohima Football League on Friday.
The win puts Ziekiezuo SC temporarily in first place with 24 points, while Sechu Zubza FC in second place with 23 points with a game in hand. United 16 FC ended their second season in the bottom place with 4 points (a win and a draw).
Keneinguzei Pienyu's brace and a goal each from Keviphretuo Kire, Neikethozo Yhome, Vilhoubeituo Yhome, Khriekethozo Keretsu, Kethosilie Zatsu helped the team to run riot for Ziekiezuo SC.
Ziekiezuo SC scored four goals while United 16 failed to attempt any shot on target in the first half.
In the match, Ziekiezou SC made immediate impact and defensive error for United 16 helped Ziekiezuo SC to open the scoring in 5th minute through Keviphretuo Kire.
Minutes later, Khrukhoto Resu latched a long cross as Keneinguzei Pienyu fetched the ball to pass the defender and thumped home the second goal. In 30 minutes Ziekiezou were leading with three goals with Neikethozo Yhome finding the net.
Vilhoubeituo Yhome who was culpable of missing numerous opportunities did score in the 45th minute to make it 4-0 for Ziekiezuo SC.
In the second half, Ziekiezou made a slow start but United 16 failed to take the opportunity as Keneinguzei Pienyu scored again in the 62nd minute.
In the 70th minute, Neikethozo through ball into Khriekethozo Keretsu path helped him to take the chance to score the sixth goal in the 70th minute.
Ziekiezuo SC conceded a goal again in their last match with Lonkhoi scoring the consolation goal in the 85th minute to give United 16 fans something to cheer about.
However Kethosilie Zatsu rounded up the match in the 88th minute to thump home their seventh goal for the defending champions to finish the match.
Sechu Zubza FC and Twenty XI match to decide the champions of KFL-2
Sechü Zubza FC will play their last match against Twenty XI FC on Saturday afternoon to decide the champions of the 2nd Kohima Football league.
Sechu Zubza will need only a draw to take the title with better goal difference (+17) and Ziekiezuo SC (+10). While a defeat for Zubza team will gift defending champions Ziekiezuo their second title.
Ziekiezuo SC is leading the table standing with 24 points, while Sechu Zubza in second place with 23 points and a match in hand. New Market is with 19 points and Twenty XI FC with 18 points in third and fourth respectively.
Team manager Neidilhoutuo Sechu of Zubza team said while we move ahead with confidence, we are playing against a strong team like Twenty XI FC. Indeed, this team from Viswema has performed exceptionally well in the 2nd leg and are unbeaten in the second leg of the league. SZFC is also playing against a club which is considered one of the most disciplined teams of this edition.
The closing ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Kohima Football League will be held at the Kohima local ground on Saturday at 2 pm.
Pele Khezhie, president, Nagaland Contractors & Suppliers Union (NCSU) will attend the occasion as the guest of honour.
Taekwondo demonstration and IV NAP JAZZ band, Thizama Kohima will be part of the event during the closing ceremony.
Sechu Zubza FC Vs Twenty XI Viswema at 2 pm