NSF Trophy: Chedema VYO to face Nagaland United SC in grand finale

KOHIMA — As the 25th anniversary edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy draws to a close, anticipation is building ahead of the final clash between Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) and Nagaland United Sports Club (NUSC). The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.

The closing ceremony will begin at 4:30 pm, with Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang expected to grace the occasion as the special guest.

From the outset, CVYO has displayed dominant performances throughout the tournament, conceding just three goals in six matches while scoring 24. The team opened its campaign with a resounding 7–0 victory over Amigos FC Tesophenyu, followed by wins against Kidima Farmers United (2–0) and United Brothers FC (7–1) in the group stage.

Also read: Nagaland United Sports Club storm into NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy final

In the knockout rounds, CVYO defeated Rever Gangtok SC 4–0 in the pre-quarter final, before overcoming two former champions — Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong and Sechü Zubza FC — with identical 2–1 victories in the quarter and semi-finals.

Lunminlian leads CVYO’s scoring chart with seven goals from three matches, followed by T Zemik with four goals in four matches. Benjamin and Lenboilun scored three goals each, while Menuophretuo added two. Neikedozo Tsira, William Neisial, Kekhrie Tsira, Daniel, and Robinson contributed one goal apiece.

Nagaland United Sports Club, which entered the tournament from the pre-quarter final stage, has also put up an impressive showing, scoring 14 goals in three matches while conceding just once. The club began with a 7–0 win over Dimapur Chaos, followed by a 2–1 victory against Mao Students’ Union in the quarter final and a 4–0 triumph over Anal Lenruwl Tangpi in the semi-final.

Sanathoi Meitei is NUSC’s top scorer with five goals across three matches, including two braces. Joel Haokip and Jenish Singh scored two goals each, while Yhoto Lohe, Arap Konyak, Manton, and Ghuqhe Chishi added a goal apiece.

The 25th edition of the tournament, which began on September 13, is jointly organised by the Angami Students’ Union and the Naga Students’ Federation in honour of late Kekuojalie Sachü and late Vikhozo Yhoshü, who lost their lives during a peaceful protest rally in Kohima on March 20, 1986.