Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 22
Khulioh King from Tuensang blanked Katakhrie of Kohima by 7-1 to enter the next round of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy held at Khuochiezie Ground, Kohima.
Sending a strong signal to the other contenders, the Tuensang team, with a formidable line up, looks all set to progress further in the month-long tournament which is being organized by the Angami Students’ Union under the aegis of the Naga Students’ Federation.
Two hat-tricks from their strikers, Nungsang Ao and Bei Khiamniungan, will immensely boost the confidence of Khulioh King as they take on the 10th NAP (IR) XI in their next match on September 26.
Katakhrie took an early lead in the 1st minute through their centre forward Mhalesatuo Suohu, but the solitary goal was not enough as the Tuensang team came back strong in the game with skilful display and successive attacks destabilizing the opponent’s defenders.Hat-trick scorer Nungsang Ao gave his team the first lead in the 19th minute. Joining the celebration, Bei Khiamniungan scored the second goal for Khulioh King in the 29th minute.
After the interval, the Tuensang team fully dominated the match proceedings as they scored successive goals in every 10 minutes of the later half. Thongpong Khiamniungan netted the third goal in the 38th minute. Adding to his tally of goals, Nungsang for the second time got past the custodian in the 41st minute, followed by Bei in the 53rd minute.
The last 10 minutes of the scheduled 70-minutes match (Till pre-quarters) were jubilation times for Nungsang and Bei as they joined Tiema Khe players Sorhosül Pucho and Zadutol Phinyo in the list of hat-trick scorers. Nungsang netted his third goal in the 61st minute and Bei sealed the match in the 63rd minute to make it 7-1.
The first match of the day also witnessed a one-sided game as Addax FC hammered Taurus FC with a big margin of 5-0. Addax FC dominated the entire match with their wonderful display of skills and tactics.
Addax FC found the first lead through Mighato Assumi in the 3rd minute, followed by Nangshi Manen in the 15th minute.
The second half witnessed the better of Addax FC as they scored three more goals. Toshi Yanger netted the third goal in the 46th minute, while Langamba scored the fourth in the 53rd minute. Medoneituo Sekhose of Addax FC delivered a brilliant touch in the 60th minute to ensure his team’s victory. With today’s win, Addax FC will next meet Medziphema Village Students’ Union on September 30.
In the second match, Meriema Village Youth Organization (MVYO) trounced Venns United FC of Forest Colony by 2-0.
No goals were scored in the first half as the efforts of both the teams penetrate the opponent’s defenders failed. With the match remaining goalless till the first quarter of the second half, it seemed as if the match was heading for a tie-break until MVYO forward player Petevizo Kezie gave his team so much to rejoice with his goal in the 65th minute. To ensure their victory, Neilabeituo Shüya netted the second goal for MVYO in the last minute of the match to send the Venns United back home.
Playing the fourth match, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma were lucky enough to proceed to the next round as they overcame their rivals Kings FC through tie-break after the match ended with a goalless draw.
As if a good cheering team would do them a big favour, Kohima Science College, having the presence of hundreds of students at the Khuochiezie Ground to support their team, had the last laugh in the tie-break.
Moving into the tie-break, the KSC cheering team moved closer to the goalkeeping net at South-end of Khuochiezie Ground. Could it be a pre-planned strategy; because their tactic to discomfit the spot-kick takers worked to their favour as the first three penalty takers of Kings FC missed the target.
Entering the second round, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, will next meet Alianza FC, Dimapur, on September 29.
