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The winners of the 4th edition of Captain Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament Vanguard FC, celebrates after receiving the trophy at Kohima local ground on Friday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 21 (EMN): Defending champions Vanguard FC Tseminyu defeated Nerhema FC 2-0 in the final match to retain the title of 4th edition of Captain Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament (state level) played here at the Kohima local ground on Friday.
Defensive lapses from Nerhema FC cost them as they had to be contended with second place. It may be mentioned that Nerhema FC was also the runners-up of the Kohima district Captain Kenguruse memorial football tournament.
Captain Yhanshalo Kemp of Vanguard FC was the standout player for the team who broke the deadlock in the first half to give the lead, and Sinenlo Kath found the back of the net in the second half to finish the game for Vanguard FC. With ten goals in five matches, Yhanshalo became the highest goal scorer of the tournament and win the golden boot award.
Playing in front of a fully packed ground, Nerhema FC looked nervous as Vanguard took the advantage on counter attacks. Rhitsho Mero created the first goal for Yhanshalo Kemp to score in the 34th minute to give the lead. Nerhema FC looked sloppy and wasteful as they failed to connect with their striker and failed to give much pressure to find the equaliser in the first half.
In the second half, Nerhema came back more positive but could not breach the defensive line to score. The goalkeeper of Vanguard FC Ikiho Assumi made a spectacular save in the second half to help the team with the goal lead.
In the midst of the attack, defensive blunders helped Vanguard midfielder Sinenlo to thump home the second goal in the 78th minute after they failed to clear a long ball. With a two goals lead, Vanguard hanged on till the final whistle to win the match 2-0.
Vanguard FC walked home with a cash prize of INR 1.75 lakhs while runners-up Nerhema FC received INR 80000. The two semi-finalists Naga Terriers and Green Club were awarded with INR 25,000 each.
Rhitsho Mero of Vanguard FC was adjudged as the player of the tournament while Yhanshalo Kemp with 10 goals was awarded the golden boot. The golden glove was awarded to Medophrezo Kezieo of Nerhema FC.
Earlier special guest Lieutenant General Abhay Krishna, PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commander-in-Chief, Eastern Command, in his speech said “This tournament has now attained an identity of its own and I am positive that in the years to come, it will be a jewel in the sporting crown of Nagaland.
The tournament was organised by the Assam Rifles in honour of the late soldier Captain Neikezhakuo Kengruse, Maha Vir Chakra who sacrificed his life for the country during the Kargil war in 1999.
