Rhitso Mero and Kekhrie Tsira run riot against Addax FC

The duo leaves Addax defenders praying for the end in quarterfinals of Classic Cup  KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22: A hat-trick each from Rhitso Mero and Kekhrie Tsira guided the Peren team to outclass their opponents as Barak FC blanked Addax FC 8-0 to become the first team to qualify for the semis at the ongoing Classic Cup tournament here at Kohima local ground. Rhitso also became the first player of this year’s Classic Cup edition to score a back-to-back hat-trick. The centre forward of Barak FC scored a hat-trick in Barak’s pre-quarterfinal match against Lerie Youth FC on November 16. Barak FC, winners of the 2014 and 2015 edition of NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, drew the first blood through Rhitso in the 8th minute. Six minutes later, Rhitso was on target again as he netted his second goal. In the last quarter of the first half, Barak midfielder Kekhrie Tsira scored his first goal in the 36th minute. Two minutes later, Rhitso Mero scored his hat-trick and ended the first half 4-0.In the second half, Kekhrie scored his second goal in the first minute after the interval, leaving the opponents in a position with no chance of turning the match back to their favour. To make it worse for the Addax boys, Sanyey scored the sixth goal for Barak in the 57th minute, while Kekhrie Tsira joined the list of hat-trick scorers when he scored his third in the 65th minute. All out to demolish their opponents, the Barak players kept on pressing the defence line of Addax FC, which led to the success of the eight goals scored by K. Salu in the 75th minute. Making it through the round of last four, Barak FC will next play against the winner of the quarterfinal match between Elite FC and Head Hunters scheduled tomorrow. It may be recalled that Barak FC failed to defend their title at the recently concluded NSF Matyrs’ Memorial Trophy. They lost to Forerunners FC, 4th NAP Thizama in the semifinal. However, with the return of some key players including their midfielder Kekhrie Tsira, who played for Nagaland Police (Red) in NSF Trophy, Barak FC looks very positive and have been rated as the favourite title contenders of the 22nd edition of Classic Cup, 2016. 2nd QUARTERFINAL FIXTURE (NOVEMBER 23) Elite FC Vs Head Hunters @ 2 pm