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Players of Centurion FC Kohima Village celebrate after winning the semi-final match against Senapati FC at the Kohima local ground on Thursday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 19 (EMN): Centurion FC Kohima Village will take on Meriema Village Youth Organisation to decide the new champions of the 19th NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy in the final match at the Kohima local ground on Saturday.
The champions will walk home with a cash prize of INR 2 lakhs along with trophy and citations, while the runners-up will receive INR 1, 20,000. The semi-finalist i.e Tribal Brothers D Khel Kohima Village and Senapati FC will each receive INR 30,000. While the four quarter-finalist Monsang Students' Union, Phesama Youth Organisation, Kohima Eagles, and Septiqa FC Zunheboto will receive INR 15,000 each.
Rhitsho Mero with 10 goals is likely to take the golden boot.
The final match on Saturday will begin at 1.30pm, with Zale Neikha, Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports as the special Invitee.
Earlier on Friday, the third edition of the running trophy exhibition match between ASU Seniors XI and Kohima BAR association took place with Advocate Khriedi Theünuo, president Kohima BAR association as the match patron.
The trophy was lifted by Kohima BAR Association after thrashing ASU Seniors XI 5-3. Scoring three goals for BAR, Blisto received the golden boot award while Aliba and Keduovi contributed one goal each.
For the ASU Seniors XI, Sikho Thou netted two goals and the third goal came from the boots of Ketholetuo. Keviselhou of Kohima BAR Association received the golden glove award, while Sedeneikho Suosahie of ASU Seniors XI was adjudged as the man of the match.
Vekhruto's brace sends Centurion FC to final
Centurion FC came from behind to beat Senapati FC Manipur 4-1 during their semi-final match of the tournament on Thursday.
Substitute Vekhrüto Resü came to the rescue for Centurion FC as he scored twice in the second half while Punurü Nienu and Meitei added a goal each to overcome Senapati FC during the encounter.
In the match, both team made a slow start into the game as the match was dominated in the midfield area.
It was Senapati team who scored a stunning goal through James from a long range kick in the 30 yard in the 43rd minute to hand the lead.
While in the second half, Centurion FC made a better start and dominated the ball possession.
Senapati team defensive error gifted the equaliser through Vekhrüto for Centurion FC. Falling to clear a crossing by the opponent defender, Resu took advantage to head the ball into the empty net in the 50th minute.
Punuru then scored a beautiful goal from a long range kick to gift Centurion FC the lead in the 69th minute.
Senapati team was unlucky not to score despite the opportunities that came their way.
Centurion FC then scored from set pieces as Vekhrüto got hold of a through ball to pass the defender and thumped home in the 88th minute to double the lead.
Rabindra Meitei finished the game for Centurion FC scoring the fourth goal in the 90th minute.
