KOHIMA, OCTOBER 19: Nagaland Police (Red) crushed their fellow police-mates Nagaland Police (Blue) 4-1 to enter the final of the 17th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy here at Kohima local ground.
Playing the first semi-final of this edition, title contenders Nagaland Police (Red) came from behind to outclass their opponents who drew first blood through their striker Imsumanen Jamir in the 27th minute.
Just when the Police in Blue could have the advantage of the first half, the Reds came back to the game by scoring two quick goals before the interval.
Police (Red) midfielder Kekhrie Tsira netted the equaliser in the 41st minute, while their left forward Aton scored the much-needed lead with three minutes left in the first half.
After the breather, a rejuvenated Police (Blue) fought hard to level the match, but failed to make any successful penetration into the opposition defence.
In the first quarter of the second half, both teams created their share of scoring opportunities but failed to make them count.
With not much time left, the Police (Blue) pressed hard for the equaliser by pushing their players up front. But this resulted in a blow to them as Lima went on to score the third goal for Police (Red) in the 79th minute.
To make it worse for Police (Blue), Lima scored again in the next minute to take the scoreboard to 4-1 in favour of the Red.
With the victory, Nagaland Police (Red) will play against the winner of the second semi-final match to be played between defending champions Barak FC and Forerunners FC, 4th NAP, Thizama.
The first semi-final was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Rovilato Mor, as the match patron.
Meanwhile, an exhibition would be played between the Angami Students’ Union seniors and Kohima Bar Association on Thursday at 10 am. The match would be graced by Roko Angami, state football coach and former international player as the chief guest.
2nd SEMI-FINAL MATCH
OCTOBER 20
Barak FC Vs Forerunners FC,
4th NAP, Thizama @ 1 pm
