Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 1
FORMER champions – Nagaland Police and Head Hunters (Territorial Army) today confirmed berth for the semi-finals of the ongoing 20th Classic Cup 2014 organised by Classic Club under the theme “Touching Lives through football” at Kohima Local Ground.
Playing the first quarter-final match of the tourney, Nagaland Police lived upto their fame in overcoming strong contenders New Reserve Youth Organisation by 2-0.
Cops could have found the lead within the first 10 minutes as Lipok Jamir (7) took target flintier from inside the danger zone, but defender Atoka Achumi managed to clear the ball from goal-line. Making another decisive move, Lipok tried grounder towards the second post off Lima Kumzuk pass but slightly missed the target. In an exciting 32nd minute of the game, it was cops striker Saku (14) trying a bullet shot off Nandai Bonang (8) long cross but rival custodian Ikiho Assumi managed to fist it for a corner.
Nonetheless, couple of minutes later NRYO captain Hoinato Ayemi knocking down Lima inside the D’box cost them heavily as the referee not only penalized him with a yellow card but also awarded penalty spot kick in favour of the cops. Lipok taking the shot did not make any mistake in converting it as the first lead.
After which, they Lima tried a powerful shot which was thwarted by custodian Ikiho. A minute before the lemon break, NRYO Mid-fielder Vinoka Ayemi but cops goal-keeper Mezhülhoukho (75) made a neat save to maintain the lead.
In the breather half, Toshi (12) made clear pass for Saku but his shot went over the cross-bar from inside the D’box in the 55th minute. Cops players Lipok and Nandai Bonang were also penalized with a yellow card each in the 62nd and 69th minute.
The second goals for cops came in a very dramatic manner in the 80th minute as Lima Kumzuk took a grounder straight into the free nets of NRYO from the middle of the ground. During the moment trying for a desperate equalizer through a long range free kick, almost all the NRYO players, including custodian Ikiho also moved into the cops D’box leaving their post free. Unfortunately, not only did they fail to find the equalizer but also conceded another goal.
Another uniformed personnel Head Hunters of the Territorial Army defeated Status Quo Football Club Viswema by 4-0 with Khampei (9) scoring a hat-trick, which is his second and 12th of the tournament.
Taking hold of the ball, Head Hunters found within the ninth minute through Khampei while the second lead was scored by L. Reho Jamir (8) through a penalty spot kick conversion in the 15th minute.
They continued to maintain the two goal lead till the half time. Three minutes after the lemon break, Status Quo striker Kelel Theyo could have decreased the margin, but disappointingly his shot from the six yard zone went wide over the cross bar.
The 50th and 53rd minutes witnessed Khanito (4) of head Hunters and Kelesal Pucho of Status Quo being penalized with a yellow card each.
It was in the 71st minute that Khampei struck with his second and third for the team while his hat-trick came in the injury added time of the match.
Winners Nagaland Police and Head Hunters will clash in the first semi-final on September 3 at 2:30 pm.
Meanwhile, the organizers have issued clarification regarding the result of the first match played on August 30 between Orion FC and DEF Kohima. The organizers informed that Orion FC defeated DEF Kohima by 2-1 and not as published. Chisie Nyousou scored the two goals for Orion FC while Lithungbemo netted the only score for DEF Kohima.
Today’s matches
Quarter-finals
1st match: 1:00 pm
New Market vs HQ IGAR (N)
2nd match: 3:00 pm
Barak FC vs Orion FC
