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Champions of the KFL-2, Sechu Zubza players and officials after the closing ceremony at the Kohima local ground on Sat. Aug. 25. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Aug. 25 (EMN): Debutant team Sechu Zubza emerged as the new champions of the 2nd Kohima Football League after defeating Twenty XI Viswema in the last league match played here at the Kohima local ground on Sat. Aug. 25.
Zeaneikho Miasalhou scored the only goal for Sechu Zubza as they beat fourth placed Twenty XI during the encounter.
Sechu Zubza in the process of winning the KFL-2 title, won eight matches, drew two and lost two in 12 matches. They scored 37 goals with Shurhosul scoring the highest goals with 12, and they conceded 19 goals in the process of winning the title.
In the final match, Zeaneikho headed home the lone goal as he found the cross from Khiuwangbo Kaurintah corner kick in the 8th minute of the first half.
The goalkeeper of Twenty XI Neithongulie Kuotsu made some crucial saves in the first half to keep the goal margin by one.
Twenty XI failed to connect with the striker as they couldn't breach the defensive line of Zubza team.
In the second half, Viho Kin's shot was inches away from giving the equaliser for Twenty XI in the 57th minute.
Despite numerous chances, team Zubza couldn't double the lead as the team went on to win with the lone goal at the end of the match.
At the end of round 12, Sechu Zubza’s win put them in top of the Kohima Football League table standing with 26 points. New Market FC in third place with 19 points. While Twenty XI remained in the 4th position with 18 points.
The champions Sechu Zubza walked home with INR 1,00,000 along with running trophy (sponsored by Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, General secretary Northern Angami Youth Organisation) medals and certificate.
While the runners-up, Ziekiezou SC recieved INR 80,000 along with medals and certificates.
The best fans club award was given to Sechu Zubza along with INR 5000 and certificates.
Twenty XI FC received the fair play award along with INR 5000 sponsored by Kethozelie Liezietsu, member KTC along with the certificate. Organised by Kohima Town Club, seven teams participated in the second edition of the KFL-2.
Earlier Pele Khezhie, president of Nagaland Contractors and Suppliers Union who attended the closing ceremony as the special guest lauded the initiative of the organisers. He said this league is a hope and a factory to produce many good players in the years to come and was hopeful that the other districts which have not started the league will also follow the same which will encourage young talents and promote the league to a national level.
Despite the talents present in the state, Khezhie observed that “We lack behind in infrastructure which is the main stumbling block for advancement in sports specially in this game but believe with the right spirit, right attitude, determination, and a balanced mindset we can overcome all these problems.”
He further asked the players to aim not only to play in state level but to represent the country and leagues like ISL and beyond.
P Angki Konyak of United 16 FC (INR 5000) trophy and certificate
Hekato Aye of New Market (INR 5000), trophy and certificate
Khiuwangbo Kaurinthah of Sechu Zubza (INR 5000), trophy and certificate
Shurhosul Zhotso of Sechu Zubza (12 goals) (INR 5000) trophy and certificate
Apoto Rhetso of Twenty XI Viswema (INR 8000) trophy and certificate
Zakietuolie Khrodi of Sechu Zubza FC (INR 5000) trophy and certificate