Nagaland Police (Red) and NU Kohima enter pre-quarters
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Players of NU Kohima Campus (Black) and Kigwema Students’ Union in action during their match at Kohima local ground on October 3. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Oct. 3 (EMN): Defending champions Nagaland Police (Red) advanced to the pre-quarters of the 18th NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy following their victory against Upper Bayavü, Kohima 3-0 here at Kohima local ground on October 3.
The police team, though were made to wait till the interval to make the breakthrough, yet, three second-half goals ensured their entry to the next round with a comfortable victory in the end.
At one point of time, the police players were kept frustrated due to their inability to get passed the keeper in the first-half of the 70-minutes match. However, the second half witnessed a different story as a rejuvenated police team went all out against their opponents and turned the match to their favour.
Ninja Golmei gave the first lead for the police team in the 41st minute, while Lima scored the second six minutes later to make it 2-0. Barely five minutes from his first goal, Lima was on target again as he scored the third goal for Nagaland Police in the 52nd minute.
Earlier in the first match, Nagaland University, Kohima campus also registered their entry to the round of last 16 with their victory against Kigwema Students’ Union 2-0.
In a match that could go either way, NU Kohima got the upper hand as they meticulously capitalized the last minute opportunities that came their way in both the halves.
Chumchamo drew the first blood for NU Kohima in the last minute before the interval, while Machipeung made it 2-0 when he scored during the additional minutes of the second half.
Trailing 1-0 behind, KSU fought hard to come back into the game after the interval, but they were held back in making any successful penetration.
Making it to the round of last 16, NU Kohima will next play against the defending champions Nagaland Police (Red) on October 11.
Wednesday’s matches
Forerunners, 4th NAP Thizama vs Putu FC, Zhavame at 12.30 p.m
Fosters FC vs G Sporting Club, Dimapur at 2 p.m
