Forerunners, G Sporting Club through to round of last 16
Kohima, Oct. 4 (EMN): Hat-trick scorer Mathew Kezhose led from the front as Forerunners, 4th NAP Thizama beat Putu FC, Zhavame 5-1 and made it through to the pre-quarters of the ongoing NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy here at Kohima local ground.
In a match which was entirely dominated by Forerunners, Kezhose also became the highest scorer of the tournament with six goals (till date) following his second hat-trick of this year’s edition. He scored his first hat-trick in the preliminary round against Pezielietsie colony.
Forerunners, who were the runners-up of last year’s edition, made an early breakthrough in the 2nd minute when Agou Lengthang’s touch got passed the keeper. Kezhose netted his first goal in the 6th minute, while he was on target again in the 12th minute to end the first half 3-0.
Moving into the second half, it was celebration time again for Kezhose as he went on to score his hat-trick goal in the 61st minute. Two minutes later, it was humiliation for Putu FC as Purakum scored the 5th goal for Forerunners. Putu FC Zhavame also scored a face saving goal through Vincent in the 67th minute.
Playing the second match of the day, G Sporting Club, Dimapur came from behind to defeat Foster’s FC 2-1.
G Sporting Club were made to trail in the first half when Vizosie-o Metha gave Foster’s FC the lead in the 33rd minute, however, the Dimapur team came back strong in the second half to take the match to their favour.
Two goals from their skipper Vitsizolie Nagi was enough to take G Sporting Club to the pre-quarterfinal, wherein, they will next play against Forerunners FC on Oct. 12.
Nagi found the equaliser in the 40th minute, while he scored the winning goal in the 59th minute, at a time when the match almost seemed to be heading for the tie-breaker.
Though G Sporting Club have qualified for the round of last 16, yet, they will have a reason to worry as two of their players Phekting and Sedevikho were cautioned with yellow cards during the match.
Thursday’s matches
KVNS vs Speartex FC, Kohima at 12.30 p.m
Esü United FC, Manipur vs Butchers Union FC at 2 p.m
