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Players of Puliebadze Club Jotsoma and Kohima Eagles FC and officials before the semi-final match on Wednesday, November 20 at the Kohima local ground. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 20 (EMN): The champions of 2003 edition, Puliebadze Club Jotsoma entered the final of the ongoing 25th Classic Cup after registering a narrow 1-0 win over Kohima Eagles FC in the first semi-final match played at the Kohima local ground on Wednesday, November 20.
A 66th minute header from midfielder Neilie Nagi sealed the victory for Puliebadze Club Jotsoma in a tightly contested first semi-final match.
In the game with low percentage of shots on target from both sides, Neilie Nagi's first attempt skied over the crossbar in the 15th minute before teammate Menoneikho Nakhro's shot too flew over the bar a couple of minutes later.
Kohima Eagles FC could have taken the lead in the 61st minute had it not for Tsoneru Odyuo, the custodian of Puliebadze Club Jotsoma who prevented the header from striker Limakumzuk Ao. Odyuo pulled off the spectacular save by diving towards his left and catching the ball.
Five minutes later, Neilie Nagi headed home the all-important goal of the match for Puliebadze Club Jotsoma when Theingam Pheirim assisted him with the pass.
Riding on to the only goal of the match scored by Neilie Nagi, Puliebadze Club Jotsoma held on till the end of the final whistle.
With the win, Puliebadze Club Jotsoma will take on the winner of the second semi-final match in the grand finale of the tournament.
Debutants Sechü Zubza FC is all set to take on two-times champions, New Market XI in the second semi-final match on Thursday.
To its credit, New Market XI lifted the first Classic Cup in 1995, followed by the second title in 1998 and finished runners-up in five other editions.
Neisevituo Sorhie, a senior life member and former president of Classic Club was the match patron of the first semi-final match.
Meanwhile, commemorating the 25th Classic Cup, the Classic Club silver jubilee raffle draw will be held on November 22 at 11 am at the Kohima local ground.
Today's semi-final match
New Market XI vs Sechü-Zubza FC at 1:30 pm
