HQIGAR (N) beats Meriema FC 2-1
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 13: Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) cruised into the second round of the ongoing Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament after their victory against Meriema FC 2-1 here at the Kohima local ground.
The IGAR team took the lead before the interval through their centre forward player S. Walte who successfully converted a right foot attempt inside the 18 yard. Entering the second half, the Meriema FC netted the equaliser through Kekhriengulie.
Just when the match was heading for a tie-break, Z Zuala found the net to give the IGAR the lead for in the match. Trailing behind, the Meriema FC pressed hard for an equalizer but went in vain.
Both the teams had their share of chances but failed to capitalise on most of the opportunities.Earlier in the first half, IGAR’s Beeya missed a penalty which was saved by Meriema FC’s keeper Medophrezo. Minutes later, T.S Haokip of IGAR could have found the net, but it was the keeper who came to rescue again.
Meriema FC countered back when Neiphrezolie’s cross from the right was pulled away by IGAR’s keeper S. Narzary. Within no time, it could have been celebration time for Meriema FC had Kevirato’s free kick passed the keeper.
Before the whistle for the interval, the IGAR took the first lead through Walte ending the first half in their favour.
Entering the second half, Meriema missed two golden opportunities. Both Kekhriengulie and Neiphrezolie failed to convert their shots inside the inner D-box.
The IGAR survived a breather when their defender H.L. Kigpen almost gave a suicide goal when he blindly headed the ball behind which went straight to the keeper’s hand. It almost looked like the ball was going above the keeper’s height; but somehow, he manages to reach the ball.
Moving into the final minutes, it was the substitute player Zuala whose shot got pass the keeper, thereby taking the match to their favour.
With the victory, the HQIGAR (N) have moved into the quarters, and will play with the winner of the pre-quarterfinal match to be played between the 164 TA Head Hunter Naga and Young Star FC, Zunheboto.
DAY-2 RESULTS
164 TA Head Hunter Naga beat Tuensang Dist Football ASSN 5-1
Young Star FC Zunheboto beat Zion Youth FC 2-1
Victorious Club beat Chukitong Range Sports Association 2-0
Liangmai FC beat
Legend Club 1-0
Vanguard FC beat Longleng Dist Football LASNN 6-0
HQIGAR (North) beat Meriema FC 2-1