Defending champions Naga FC ease past first round
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Players of Naga FC and YAA introduced to the IGAR (North) MN Jaswal at the Kohima local ground on September 12.[/caption]
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 12: Defending champions Naga FC defeated Yimchungrü Akherü Arihako (YAA) by a solitary goal to make it to the second round of the second edition of the Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament which commenced on Monday at Kohima local ground.
Naga FC was given a tough test by YAA, who performed exceptionally well. The match was equally poised until the last ten minutes where Naga FC was favoured with a penalty spot kick after a YAA player was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.
Much to the joy of the defending champs and their supporters, Chaba successfully converted the spot kick to make it 1-0 to take them into the second round. YAA team got many scoring opportunities and possession during the first half; however, Naga FC bounced back in the second half to take control of the match.
YAA also got numerous chances but the lack of finishing from their forward players cost them. The young YAA team failed to find the net, leading to their ouster from the knock-out tournament.At Tsiesema Basa local ground, DGP XI was knocked out of the tournament after they went down to Young Star FC via a tie-break. The match headed for tie-break after both the teams were locked in a 2-2 draw.
To the surprise of many, the DGP XI, who was considered strong contenders for the title, had to walk out of the tournament with a disappointing defeat.
During the inaugural function at the Kohima local ground, the event was graced by the IGAR (North) MN Jaswal as the chief guest, while Dr Neiphrezo Keditsu, MLA of 11th Northern Angami-II Assembly Constituency and chairman NSMDC was also present during the function.
Father of Late Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse and general secretary of Nagaland Football Association, Neibou Sekhose also attended the function among others.
Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse Football Tournament is organised by the Assam Rifles to honour the late soldier who sacrificed his life for the country during the Kargil war in 1999.
On Tuesday, Tuensang District Football ASSN XII will play against 164 TA Head Hunter Naga, Zion Youth FC against Young Star FC, Zunheboto, and HQIGAR (North) against Merima FC at the Kohima Local Ground whereas in the Tsiesema Basa ground, Victorious Club will play against Chukitong Range Sports ASSN, Legend Club Kiphire against Liangmai FC and Vanguard FC, Tseminyu against Longlen District Football LASSN.
Results
Group A
Naga FC (Kohima) 1-0 YAA (Tuensang)
Ungma FC 5-1 Saramati Nexus Club
Addax Youth Club 3-1United Sporting Club
Group B
Young Star FC (Dmp) 6-5 DGP XI via penalty shootout
Khaibung FC 2-1 Indo- Mynmar FC
Aboi FC 5-4 Sturgeon FC