Principal Correspondent
Kohima, October 25
Barak Football Club, Peren remained unbeaten to lift the second title in a raw by emerging as the champion of the 15th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy organized by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) under the theme ‘Goal for Peace’ at Kohima Local Ground.
Playing an exciting final match of the tourney, Barak FC defeated home team Naga United Club by a margin of one goal.
Both the teams set up a tough fight with NUC attacking the rival camp within the 7th minute, but Velukho Chakhesang’s long ranger went slightly off mark. The 10th minute could have given BFC as Nyinthung Rengma made the ball for Nzauhut but failed. NUC tried again with Asito Angami crossing the ball for Vimelie Angami but his shot missed the target.Thereafter, in 14th minute Ratobe astounded NUC custodian Vekuto Chakhesang with a sudden left foot long range from almost 30 yard to take home first lead with the crowd roaring upto thunderous applause. They almost found the second lead in the 29th minute as skipper Tingyek Konyak also tried a long range barely missing the cross bar and continue to lead the first half with the solitary goal. In the injury added time, Kezevituo made a desperate long range attempt for an equalizer but in futile. Before the break, Asito and Letkhokai Kuki of NUC were penalized with a yellow card each.
In the breather half, BFC’s Tepongmeren took a long power shot but was neatly blocked by Vekuto in the 50th minute while two minutes later an opportune was missed by Nzauhut as his header off Lemrai Zeliang’s centre cross went behind barely missing the second post.
The 54th minute was exciting as BFC custodian Peisuidibe Solo’s carelessness in collecting a target attempt from Kezhose was pushed into the nets for the much needed equalizer by Vimele Angami and making the game more competitive.
Subsequently, both sides made failed attempts to surpass into the rival nets while an exciting moment came in the 64th minute wherein Nyinthung’s long range target shot from right wing was pushed for a corner in the last moment by Vekuto. Taking the resultant corner, Tingyek passed to Nyinthung who made it for Aloumei but his shot went behind for a goal kick.
However, four minutes later taking advantage of the rival defence losing stamina and unable to catch up, Ratobe dribbled past the ball for Nzauhut and this time he did not fail to push the ball into the net for the lead goal which ultimately gave Barak Football Club 2-1 win over Naga United Club.
Nonetheless, before the final whistle two of BFC players Tepongmeren and Asiu were penalized with yellow card by referee Meyieto.
Winning the final, the champions Barak FC dribbled away with cash award of Rs. 1.6 lakh with trophy and citation while runners-up Naga United Club received Rs 1 lakh with trophy and citation.
Gracing the valedictory function as the guest of honour, Home Minister Y. Patton gave away the prizes.
Individual Awardees
1. Best Defender: K. Singyangalen of St.Joseph College, Jakhama
(sponsored by AV Market, High school Junction Kohima)
2. Best Midfielder: Keneisedelie Angami of Naga United Club
(sponsored by AV Market, High school junction Kohima)
2. Best Goal Keeper: Ikiho Assumi of MT Youth Club, New Reserve
(sponsored by Anisa Ritse)
3. Best Striker: Khangartar Tunshangnao of Tangkhul Students Union
(sponsored by H.Choro Mao)
4. Highest Scorer: Demo of HQ IGAR(N) with 10 goals, including a double hat-trick
(sponsored by Kelhou Suohu, Touch Enterprise)
5. Player of the Tournament: Tingyek Konyak of Barak FC
(sponsored by Roko Angami)
