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Barak’s Khwetelhi Thopi in action during the second semi-final match between Barak and Forerunners at Kohima local ground on Thursday.[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 19 (EMN): A late goal from substitute Rhitso Mero came to rescue as Barak FC Peren narrowly beat last year’s runners-up Forerunners FC 4th NAP Thizama 1-0 in the second semifinal match played at the Kohima local ground on Thursday.
The ongoing NSF Martyrs' Football Trophy is being organised by the Angami Students’ Union under the theme ‘goal for peace.’
Rhitso Mero came off the bench to score the only goal for Barak FC in the 83rd minute to help the team enter the final of the tournament for the third year.
The thrilling encounter was equally poised but both teams failed to break the deadlock on their opportunities that came their way till the first half.
Forerunners FC was paid for their lackluster game as talisman Kezhose wasted numerous chances to find the back of the net in the first half.
Goalie Leketoulie of Forerunners was put in action saving a stunning shot of Mayongshing in the first half. In the second half, Barak team started vigorously butstriker Kevi lacked the finishing as he failed to find the target on numerous occasions until Rhitso Mero came to rescue Barak with his goal in the 83rd minute.
Goalkeeper Nganga Zeliang of Barak was put in action in the second half, saving a stunning long-range kick of Vekhruto Resu in the second half. He made vital saves in the game to make sure the team entered the final with a clean sheet.
With the win, Barak FC will face defending champions Nagaland Police Red in the final match on October 21. While Forerunners can still finish the season on the winning note if they can beat Tangkhul Students Union Manipur on Friday to secure the third position of the tournament.
ASU beat AYO in exhibition match
Angami Students' Union (ASU) defeated Angami Youth Organization (AYO) via tiebreaker 4-3 after the match ended in a 2-2 draw in an exhibition match played at the Kohima local ground on Thursday.
In the match, AYO took the lead in the first half through a goal scored by Neidilhoutuo Neibu Sechü and Zekusetuo Natso double lead in the second half for AYO.
However, ASU came back to the game when their captain Mego Ratsa delivered a superb long-range shot to pull back a goal. Tseituo Mere then scored the equalizer in the last minute to end the match 2-2. During the penalty shootout,
ASU came out victorious 4-3.
Friday match (3rd place)
Tangkhul Stu vs Forerunners FC
@ 1:30 PM
