Principal Correspondent
Kohima, October 22
Velukho Chakhesang (11) converting a penalty spot kick helped Naga United Club (NUC) find their final berth in the ongoing student martyrs’ memorial soccer tournament organized by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) at Kohima Local Ground.
Playing a tough match, NUC sent back NSF trophy champions of 2002 Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) by a solitary goal converted into the winning goal through a penalty spot kick by Velukho in 15 minutes extra time governed by silver goal rule as the teams were locked in goalless draw during the stipulated 90 minutes of the match.NUC got an early opportunity as Kezhose Angami (10) dribbled past the rival defence and struck the ball from inside the danger zone but was slit for a corner by custodian Wungthungni. In the resultant corner kick clearance by TKS defender, it was Velukho striking a long ranger target shot but slightly missed the cross bar. In 7th minute, it TKS Thangshomi Ruivah making a long attempt from the edge of D’box but the ball went behind for goal-kick.
Kezhose was pulled down inside the danger zone by rival defender in 14th minute, which cost the visitors heavily as defender Ngaraipam was penalized with a yellow card and NUC awarded penalty spot kick. Keneisedelie Angami took the shot but TKS custodian made an incredible dive to block it, while the rebound was taken by Kezevituo from the six yard area, which also went out of play to the disappointment of the home team.
In the 17th minute TKS striker Pamreihang made a grounder attempt but this time it was NUC custodian Vekuto neatly getting hold of the ball while Thangsomi tried another long shot in 37th minute which was also fisted away by the goal-keeper. Thereafter, no decisive move came from either sides, except for NUC mid-fielder Keyigumgwangbe Zeliang (13) being penalized with a yellow card and the first half disappointingly ended in goalless draw.
Eight minute into the second half, TKS could have had the lead but Thangsomi’s shot from the inner box was not strong to surpass Vekuto while they had a real opportunity of scoring in 75th minute wherein NUC defenders making a wrong offside call gave Khangatar to penetrate into the danger zone but his shot missed the target. They made another attempt with a good combination between Pamreishang and Khangatar, but the latter’s shot went wide of the mark.
Thereafter the 84th and 86th minute witnessed referee cautioning NUC skipper Kedokhotso Angami (15) and Kezhose with a yellow card each for unsporting behavior and the stipulated 90 minutes play ended in goalless draw.
In the 15 minutes extra time to break the tie governed by silver goal rule, the exciting moment came in 13th minute, wherein TKS custodian Wungthungni failure to clear the ball gave Kezhose to strike the ball into the free net, but defender Ngaraipam blocked it with his hand. Subsequently, match referee Meyieto sent him off to the bench with a red card and awarded another penalty spot kick in favour of NUC.
This time Velukho took the shot and did not make any mistake in converting into the winning goal and take his team to the final sending TKS back home with semi-final match allowance amounting to Rs. 20,000.
The first semi-final was witnessed by Addl. Development Commissioner, Temsu Wati as the match patron.
