Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 18
Coming with huge expectations to proceed to the next round of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, the Kohima College team was sent back home by The Tribal FC, Kohima, through a second-half goal during the fourth match on Friday at Khuochiezie Local, Kohima.
Going by ball possession and scoring opportunities, Kohima College had the upper hand until an error from one of their defenders which allowed the Tribal FC striker Zakietuolie Khrodi to push the ball past the custodian with ease in the 45th minute to make it 1-0.
The goal ultimately silenced the big cheering crowd of Kohima College who turned out in good numbers to support their team whose line up was filled with upcoming soccer players.Beginning from the inaugural day till today, the supporters of Kohima College team who came in uniform were the best cheering team of the tournament so far. The organizers, Angami Students’ Union, will certainly regret the exit of a team which had brought so much sporting spirit to Khuochiezie Local Ground.
Playing the first match of the day, Get Them Go (GTG), Kohima overcame FC Lenlem, Kohima by 3-2. The GTG were in full control of the first half. The first goal was scored by Nokzenketba in the 28th minute, followed by Avilie in the 31st minute.
Entering the second half, GTG were on the move again as they found the net in the 48th minute through the touch of Dzüvisü-o. FC Lenlem came back strong scoring their first goal through Sulanthung in the 49th minute, followed by John Patton in the 61st minute, but failed to find the much needed equalizing goal.
In the second match, Laii Youth & Students’ Organisation (LYSO), Manipur signaled their entry with a victory against Zodiac FC Tekhuba. The visiting team took no time in scoring the first two goals in the first 10th minutes. The Zodiac FC custodian misread a long distance kick which crossed his height, only to be left embarrassed before the crowd. The first goal of LYSO was scored by Th Silas in the 6th minute, followed by K. Luckyson in the 7th minute.
The Zodiac FC players were quick to react with Seyieneisa scoring for his team in the 15th minute. LYSO netted the third goal in the 30thminute through their forward K. Luckyson. A second-half goal by Zodiac forward Neisaleto in the 56th minute was not enough to take his team to the next round as the match ended with 3-2 in favour of the visiting team.
Playing the third match of the day, Forerunners, 4th Nap Battalion, Thizama, cruised into the next round after a brilliant goal from their striker Atun Konyak in the 29th minute. The New Market ‘B’ players, with a line up of youngsters, had the support of majority of the spectators. The young squad exhibited equal matching talents, but were sent back home as their rivals, who had a line up of veteran players of the police team. Going by match fitness and ball possession, the young guns had the upper hand during the entire match, but the lack of quality final touch kept them away throughout the match.
The police team was tested very early in the game; however, their tactics and skills overpowered the brilliant performance of the junior team and they had the last laugh with 1-0 win.
