Kohima, Nov. 17 (EMN): Three times defending champions Barak Football Club, Peren entered the finals of the ongoing 23rd Classic Cup after defeating Kohima Eagle's Sporting Club 5-4 via a sudden death in tie-breaker after the match ended in a goalless draw in the first semifinal match on Friday.
Playing one of the most exciting matches in the tournament at the Kohima local ground, Barak FC narrowly defeated debutant team Kohima Eagle’s SC to book their final berth for the fifth year.
In the match, extra time could not be played as the match had to be suspended for almost 40 minutes due to foggy weather after being played for 13 minutes in the first half.
Resuming the match, Eagles side should have taken the lead when Menguzelie came one on one with keeper Peisuidibe inside the area, but fired wide over the cross bar in the 22nd minute.
Barak also missed on numerous occasions as the first half ended in a goalless draw.
The second half, Barak side were awarded with a penalty within three minutes of play after the defender conceded a penalty for a handball inside the area for the referee to award the penalty, but Elminhao Kilong failed to convert as the goalkeeper Medophrezo managed to save his team with his goalkeeping class to keep their team alive in the game.
He also managed to deflect Rhitso header in the 55th minute but it wasn't enough as the team failed to find the back of the net, nor Barak FC managed to break the deadlock as the match ended a goaless draw.
Heading directly to the penalty shootout, hard luck for debutant team Eagles as Barak FC managed to scrape past Kohima Eagle's via sudden death in the penalty shootout 5-4 to win the match.
Salukulimbe of Barak and Kevizapu and Petevizo of Eagles were cautioned with a yellow card each during the match.
Barak will now face the winner of the second semifinal match played between St Joseph's College and New Market on Nov. 20.
Fixture for Saturday
2nd Semi final match
New Market XI vs St. Joseph’s College at 2 pm
