Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct 15 (EMN): Yhunshalo Kemp struck twice as Mhakenyi Kro-u FC snatched a late victory against Titan FC by 2-1 in the second match on the sixth day of the ongoing 21st NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy 2021 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima on Friday.
Mhakenyi Kro-u FC, roughly translated as rich group in local Tenyidie language, that made its debut in NSF Trophy, had thanked the brilliant effort of Kemp, who single-handedly took the team to the second round by finding the back of the net twice.
Mhakenyi Kro-u did not make a good start into the game as their goalkeeper, Hen Romel gifted a goal to Titan FC in the 11th minute. Nosal Pucho scored from a long range which was misjudged from the goalkeeper.
However, Kemp made a quick come back eight minutes later by finding a through ball from the midfield to lash his shot into the net, bringing much joy to the visiting fans who shouted in jubilation. He almost scored his second goal minutes later, when his shot hit the crossbar.
It was team Mhakenyi Kro-u that dominated the game after the equaliser, however, to break the deadlock was a hard one as both teams missed opportunities.
As the match appeared to be heading for a tie-breaker, it was Vekhruto Resu, who was found rushing on Kemp inside the box, where he fired his shot into the net to find the second and winning goal for Mhakenyi Kro-u in the last minute.
With the win, Mhakenyi Kro-u will play against Capital College of Higher Education in the second round on October 23.
Earlier in the first match, Kitsubozou Youth Society defeated Gorillaz FC 2-1. Both the goals for Kistubozoiu YS were scored by Nusezo Kezo in the 3rd and 47th minutes respectively. While Vikedoulie Ambros scored the lone for Gorillaz FC in the 27th minute.
The third match was a thrilling encounter between 12 Tribes United that beat Chedema United 3-2 to advance to the next match.
It was Nahugom’s second goal that made a difference between the two teams as he scored in the 68th minute to secure a victory for 12 Tribes United.
It may be mentioned that the 12 Tribes United scored two goals in the first half through Nahugom and Nyeiyang, while the second half saw Chedema scoring twice through Neikedozo and Keneisezo (in a penalty) that were netted in the 48th and 58th minutes to equalise the goal tally. However, the fate of Chedema was decided by its goalkeeper’s blunder as 12 Tribes United's striker Nahugom scored from a long ranger in the final minute of the match to send back Chedema United home, much to the dismay of roaring fans.