Captain Kenguruse Memorial Football tourney
Kohima, Sep. 20 (EMN): Defending champions Naga FC will face Vanguard FC in Thursday’s Captain Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament final at Kohima local ground for the final showdown.
Naga FC are looking to secure a historic win to claim the trophy for the 3rd consecutive time, while Vanguard FC will be seeking their first major trophy in Kohima.
Former player of Rangdajied United F.C, Aizawl FC, Delhi United Football Club, Khwetelhi Thopi says opponent are also a good team, but we are a stronger and I’m confident that Naga FC can lift the trophy again. Khwetelhi Thopi is the highest scorer of Naga FC with six goals in 4 matches.
While the captain and centre-forward Yhunshalo Kemp is the highest scorer for Vanguard with 8 goals in 4 matches. Unfortunately key player of Vanguard FC Sanyem Salym (defender) with two yellow cards in the semifinal match will not be able to play the final match due to suspension.
Defending champions Naga FC on their way to the finals defeated Nao-Mei FC 1-0 in the first match, beat Nerhema FC 3-2 in the second round, thrashed Tizit Tornadoes 4-0 in quarters and booked their entry in the final by defeating Naga Terriers 2-1 in the semi-final.
While in form Vanguard FC side on their way to the final beat DGP Kohima 6-5 through penalty shootout in the first match, eased into the quarters with their victory against Tuli United FC 4-1, blanked Friends United FC 9-0 in quarters and outclassed Green FC Zunheboto 5-2 in the semis.
This year’s champions will fetch a cash award of Rs. 1, 70,000/- along with trophy and citations, while the runners-up will receive Rs. 80,000/- along with trophy and citations. The two losing semi-finalists i.e. Green FC and Naga Terriers will each receive Rs 25,000/-, while various individual awards have also been arranged which will be announced during the closing ceremony.
Meanwhile, the organisers also informed that match will start from 1 pm onwards at the Kohima local ground.
