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The champions – Vanguard FC with the GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, IGAR North Maj Gen Sanjay Gupta and other Assam Rifles officials during the closing function at Kohima local ground on September 21. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Sep. 21 (EMN): Vanguard FC defeated defending champions Naga FC 2-1 in the final to emerge as the champions of the 3rd Captain Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament here at Kohima local ground.
Playing in front of a packed Khuochiezie stadium, the defending champions Naga FC suffered defeat at the hands of well balanced Vanguard FC from Tseminyu town. The victory of Vanguard FC also deterred the hopes of the two times champions Naga FC from lifting the trophy for the third consecutive year.
It may be mentioned that the Naga FC had lifted the title for the first two editions of Captain Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament which commenced in 2015. The said tournament is being annually organised by the Assam Rifles in memory of Kargil hero late Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, MVC, who hails from Nerhema village.
Much to the jubilation of the Vanguard FC supporters who came in huge number, Tingyek Konyak opened the account for the Tseminyu team with a stunning long range shot in the 28th minute.
Both the teams also had their share of scoring opportunities in the first half, but failed to find the back of the net.
Minutes earlier, Tingyek also let go an opportunity following a miscommunication between the rival defenders, but his shot went out of target.
Vanguard FC centre forward Chaba also wasted an opportunity though he came one-one-one with the opponent’s keeper. Naga FC could have scored the equalizer before the first half whistle, but Kekhrie Tsirah’s header went far wide of the post.
Entering the second half, Vanguard FC placed themselves in a comfortable position when their skipper Yhunshalo Kemp doubled the lead in the 62nd minute only to demoralize the hopes of the defending champs from coming back to the game.
Naga FC fought hard to stay in the game which resulted to a consolation goal in the 86th minute through the touch of their centre forward Kwetelhi Thopi. Khwetelhi could manage to tap in the ball when Seyiekhrietuo Souhu’s free kick hit the woodwork and reflected towards him.
The champions Vanguard FC fetched a cash award of Rs. 1,70,000 along with trophy and citations, while the runners-up received a cash award of Rs. 80,000 along with trophy and citations.
The two losing semi-finalists – Naga Terriers and Green Club, Zunheboto were also given a cash award of Rs. 25,000 each.
The final match was graced by Lt Gen Anil Chauhan, GOC 3 Corps as the chief guest, which was also attended by Maj Gen Sanjay Gupta, IGAR (North) and Neiselie Kenguruse, father of late Capt Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, among others.
Meanwhile, Kwetelhi Thopi of Naga FC was adjudged as the ‘Player of the tournament’, while Kevikielie Pienyü of Vanguard FC bagged the award for the ‘Best Goalkeeper’. Yhunshalo Kemp of Vanguard FC emerged as the highest scorer of the tournament and Medozevi Punyü was adjudged as the best referee.
Individual Awards
Player of the tournament: Khwetelhi Thopi of Naga FC
Best Goalkeeper: Kevikielie Pienyü of Vanguard FC
Highest scorer: Yhunshalo Kemp of Vanguard FC
Best Referee: Medozevi Punyü
