Principal Correspondent
Kohima, September 4
Former champions (2012) Barak Football Club (BFC) once again proved their caliber in remaining unbeaten and find the berth for the clash of the titans of the ongoing 20th Classic Cup 2014 organised by Classic Club under the theme “Touching Lives through football” at Kohima Local Ground.BFC will be clashing against two-time champions Nagaland Police in the final match on September 6 at 2:30 pm.
Taking possession of the ball from the blow of the whistle of the second semi-final match this afternoon, Barak FC defeated Head Quarters Inspector General Assam Rifles-North (HQ IGAR-N) by two goals to nil.
BFC could have taken an early within the first two minutes but Ratobe (10) shot from the six yard zone went over the cross bar.
In yet another opportunity in the 20 minute, army defender L. Ralte knocking down Ratobe inside the D’box cost them heavily with match referee awarding penalty spot kick in favour of BFC. However, army custodian Baichung Bhutia boosted his players by neatly blocking the spot kick taken by Bamdibe Kulimbe (14). Couple of minutes later, Bhutia once plunged to his right to thwart a sure goal attempt of Nyinthong Magh (11) while in the 40th minute BFC skipper Tingnyek (15) tried a long ranger but this time too it was Bhutia pushing the ball behind for a corner.
Before the lemon break, the only target shot from the army players came in the 41st minute through Along Ao’s long attempt but only to land in the safe hands of BFC custodian Peisuidibe (1) and the first half ended in a competitive deadlock of goalless draw.
Two minutes into the breather half, BFC skipper Tingnyek was cautioned with a yellow card for foul play. The 51st minute broke the deadlock with defender Sanyem Salym (2) right foot grounder off defender Lemrai Zeliang (3) corner kick completely beating tall Bhutia bringing cheers amongst the supporters.
Two minutes later, IGAR right out SE Lala made a combined effort in crossing the ball towards unmark colleague Emphraim Zofa, but he failed to head the ball. Along Ao of IGAR was penalised with a yellow card in the 58th minute.
It was in the 69th minute which confirmed BFC’s final berth with the second lead and this time it was Nyinthong making a slide header off Lemrai’s long free kick from the right out. Thereafter, IGAR tried hard with some fast attacks but failed to break the rival defence line up.
ADC Kohima Asangla graced the second semi-final as match patron.
CHALLENGER CUP 2014
As part of the ongoing Classic Cup at Local Ground Kohima, the Challenger Cup 2014, an annual football exhibition match will be played between Classic Club Kohima and the Kohima Press Club on Friday at 3:00 pm.
The players of both clubs have been requested to report to the venue by 1:30 pm. The players list comprise of:
CLASSIC CLUB KOHIMA: K Neibou Sekhose (Captain), Atei-ü Sekhose (goalkeeper), Vitsonuo Belho (goalkeeper), Chotisuh Sazo, Zakie Kiso, Aphre Whuorie, Mezhü-o Solo, Aya Thorie, Anyü Whuorie, Alakuo Sekhose, Kenyi-o Solo, Khrietuo Belho, Pudil Tsükrü, Akhie Liezietsu, Zase Solo, Sinyü Solo, Norbert Mere, Avizo Sekhose, Mhaler Sekhose, Mengukhrietuo Sekhose, Pele Kire, Seyievituo Kiso, Gugu Thorie, Avozo Tsükrü and Kezhalezo Yiese. Er. Keduozelhou Khruonuo (Team Manager), Sahu Yiese (CEO), Zevikuo Liezietsu (Coach), Neisevituo Sorhie (Technical Director)
KOHIMA PRESS CLUB: Narain B Sagar (Captain), Chizokho Vero (Vice Captain), Kopelo Krome (goalkeeper), HK Chishi (goalkeeper), Xavier Rutsa, Solomon Sha, Shoveyi Keyho, Ketu Viluo, Asa Seyie, Victor Dzüvichü, Nchum Odyuo, Oken Jeet Sandham, Neitho Keditsu, Vincent Belho, Alem Jamir, Kuzhovesa Soho, Ruopfü, Kapelo Pfotte, Roko, Zakie Zuyie, Marcus, KV Nurumi, Mhalezolie Kire, Emron Musavi, Medo Dzuyie, Rüülhoutuonuo Theünuo, Vibi Yhokha, Alice Yhoshü, Achum Mozhui, Emilo Engo Konyak, Lolano Khuvung, Thiala Chang, Loreni Tsanglao, Anenla Jamir, Athe Rhi, Rita Krocha, Willy, Akelie, Max and Kevingulie. Atul Sharma (Team Manager), H Chishi (Team Co-ordinator), Kenny Peseyie (Coach).
