Our Correspondent
Kohima, August 29
It was custodian of Head Hunters XI, Welungbo making two excellent saves in the tie-breaker to book their berth in the quarter-finals along with Addax Club Kohima and Billy Graham Football Club.Playing the last pre-quarter final match of the Classic Cup soccer tourney organized by Classic Club Kohima at Local Ground here today, Head Hunters defeated their uniformed rival 4th NAP by 8-7 via tie-breaker that too in the sudden death as the teams were locked in a goalless draw during the stipulated 70 minutes play.
Head Hunters XI played and attacking game but due to lack of finishing touch and also the robust and experienced police custodian Zuthungo, they were unable to make any break through. On the other hand the cops team also failed to surpass the rival defence line and the match ended in a disappointing goalless deadlock.
In the tie-breaker, both sides managed to beat either goal-keepers for the first two shots but Zuthungo made and excellent diving save of Head Hunters striker Khampi. But disappointingly, cops third shooter Kedabu Thong kicked the ball over the bars after which both sides continued with two shots each resulting in 4-4 draw out of the five shots.
Taking the sudden death, both sides went smooth with three shots each, but again Zuthungo gave his team the advantage by brilliantly blocking Khekiho’s shot.
Nonetheless, though stout Welungbo also dived in the air to fist away Nokzen’s shot, after which Head Hunters striker didn’t make any mistake in putting the team to advantage. Subsequently, Welungbo once again took the right jump to box David Metha’s shot and put his team ahead to quarter finals by 8-7.
Earlier, playing the sixth pre-quarter final match, Billy Graham Football Club defeated Tyrant’s FC by 2-0 with Salu and Nikum scoring the goals in the 26th and 64th minute. They will now clash with Elite Football Club, Naga Bazaar in the third quarter final on August 31 at 1:00 pm.
Playing another exiting match, Addax Club, Kohima defeated Tsieyama Sporting Association by a solitary second-half goal scored by Keviphretuo Kire. In the quarter-finals, Addax Club Kohima will play against Head Hunters XI on August 31 at 3:00 pm.
TODAY’S MATCHES
1st match: 1:00 pm
Kohima Komets SC
Vs Orion FC
2nd match: 3:00 pm
New Market XI
Vs HQ IGAR (N)
