Khwetelhi’s hat-trick steers New Market XI to pre-quarters; Tseidi FC, Kezekevi and FC Chizami advance to round of 16
Kohima, Nov. 7 (EMN): Khwetelhi Thopi scored a hat-trick as New Market XI humbled Jakha FC 4-0 to advance to the pre-quarters of the 23rd Classic Cup soccer tournament here at Kohima local ground on November 7.
Playing the fourth match of the day, New Market XI signalled their entry as a favourite contender for this year’s edition with their convincing victory today.
Vekhruto Resu made an early breakthrough for New Market in the 2nd minute, however, Resu’s goal managed to let NM XI have the upper hand till the interval.
New Market’s centre forward Thopi, who became the third player of this year’s edition to score a hat-trick, should have scored more had he capitalized the numerous scoring opportunities that came his way.
Thopi was kept frustrated before the interval, but he was back with his finishing touch in the second half as he scored three quick goals in the 52nd, 53rd and 56th minutes respectively.
Earlier in the first match, Tseidi FC trounced Friendship United FC 4-1 to qualify for the round of last 16.
Neilabeituo drew the first blood for Tseidi in the 3rd minute, while Khriebou doubled the lead in the 30th minute. Friendship United were given a lifeline when Khriezo scored in the 35th minute to minimise the margin.
Ketsivilie placed Tseidi in a comfortable position when his shot got passed the keeper in the 48th minute. It was all over for Friendship United when Jacob scored the fourth goal for Tseidi in the 60th minute to end the match 4-1.
With their respective victories today, Tseidi FC and New Market XI will ne play against one another in the pre-quarterfinal.
In the second match, Kezekevi FC blanked Botsa Students’ FC 5-1 to make it through to the pre-quarters. Kezekevi found their first goal through the touch of Kelenguto James in the 7th minute, while Vitsopi Kin doubled the lead in the 14th minute.
Botsa Students’ FC came back to the game when Dziesevilie’s found the back of the net, but Kezekevi FC showed no complacency as Theja Chuse went on to score the third for the team in the 46th minute.
By the 53rd minute, it was celebration time again for Vitsopi Kin who scored his second and team’s fourth in the 53rd minute. Menose Zashümo was also on target when he scored in 60th minute.
Playing the third match, FC Chizami United also registered their entry into the pre-quarters with their victory against Diki Warriors FC 4-0.
Both the teams were locked in a goalless draw till the interval; however, FC Chizami had the upper hand in the second half against a team who subsided after the break.
Wetshokho Tsuhah scored first for Chizami FC in the 49th minute, followed by two goals from Wetshokho Thopi in the 57th and 60th minutes respectively. Tshezokho Rhakho netted the fourth goal for Chizami during the injury time to end the match 4-0.
Wednesday’s matches
St Joseph’s College vs Renegades at 11.30 pm
Kohima Eagles SC vs Upper Bayavü FC at 1 pm
Barak FC vs Kohima College at 2.30 pm
