Martyrs’ Trophy: Centurion FC and Kohima Eagles enter quarterfinals

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Oct. 12 (EMN): Centurion FC and Kohima Eagles won their respective round 16 matches and set up a clash against each other on Oct. 16 in the quarterfinal match of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy here at the Kohima local ground on Friday.

Kethosilie Zatsu and Mengüzelie Rütsa’s goals in the first half for Kohima Eagles gifted the victory against St Joseph College Jakhama 2-0 during the encounter.

Kohima Eagles FC maintained their perfect start in the tournament without conceding a goal in three matches scoring 25 goals on the process. Rhitsho Mero with 10 goals in three matches is the highest goal scorer of the tournament so far.

In the match, Kohima Eagles team start off brightly and found the lead through Kethosilie Zatsu’s header in the 7th minute from a free kick.  The nervy defending from St Joseph team handed Kohima Eagles double the lead as Mengüzelie Rütsa thumped home in the 17th minute through an assist from the captain Khwetelhi Thopi.

With two goals deficit, St Joseph team managed to restrict the Kohima Eagles forwards from netting any further goals but the team failed to register a single shot on target in the first half.

In the second half, St Joseph team got off to a better start but was unable to breach the defensive line and score despite a dominant side in the midfield area. Kohima Eagles restricted the opponent team from counter attack as they held on for a 2-0 win.

A second half goal from Rabindra Meitei was enough for Centurion FC to hand the victory over to Rangers FC Medziphema 1-0 in the first match.

Foggy weather did hamper the first match as the match was put on hold for several minutes in the second half.

Meitei’s lone goal in the 62nd minute proved to be enough to seal the victory over a nervy encounter between the two teams.

Saturday’s matches:

Kigwema Students’ Union Vs Saptiqa FC Zunheboto at 12pm

Khuzama Y. O Vs Senapati FC at 2pm