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The champions Naga FC with the organizers and officials at Kohima local ground on September 19. Naga FC defeated Liangmai FC 5-1.[/caption]
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 19: Chaba scored a hat-trick as Naga FC lifted the second edition of Captain Neikezhakuo Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament with their 5-1 victory over Liangmai FC here at Kohima local ground on Monday.
With the victory, Naga FC have become the first team ever to lift the title for successive years. The champions walked home richer by Rs 1, 50,000 along with the trophy, while the runner-up Liangmai FC received a cash of Rs 1 lakh. During the match, both teams failed to find the net before the interval, and the second half witnessed the better of Naga FC as they changed tactics to penetrate the opponent’s defence. Chaba inflicted the first wound as his volleyed passed the keeper in the 58th minute to give Naga FC the first lead.
Within no time, Naga FC took the score-line to 2-0 as Chaba went on to score his second goal in the 65th minute.
Trailing behind, Liangmai FC gave a spirited fight as Poudinkhoubou scored in the 67th minute to narrow the margin. With the score, the spectators at Kohima local ground were brought back to live as the scoreboard read 2-1.
However, the joy of Liangmai FC and their supporters was short lived as Chaba went on to score his hat-trick in the 69th minute by converting a penalty. The spot kick was awarded to Naga FC after Liangmai FC’s defender Masenkambo handled the ball inside the box.
Chaba’s hat-trick goal also got him the ‘Golden Boot’ award with seven goals in the tournament, as he surpassed Samson of Aboi FC who had six goals to his credit.
The match was almost decided as Naga FC’s centre forward Rhitsho Mero scored the fourth goal in the 74th minute, fully demoralizing Liangmai FC with no chance of turning the match back in their favour.
Naga FC’s substitute player Kethozapu Meru sealed the match for his team by scoring the fifth goal during stoppage time. Two players of Liangmai FC, Railubo and Numthunbui and Naga FC’s Kezevituo Vizo were cautioned with yellow cards during the match.
Apart from the winners and runners-up, individual prizes were also awarded to respective categories. The ‘Most Valuable Player’ was awarded to Velukho Rhakho of Naga FC while S Narzary of IGAR (North) was adjudged the ‘Best Custodian’. The best official for the tournament was awarded to Lhousavoto.
The individual award winners also received Rs. 10,000 each along with trophy, while the losing semi-finalist Aboi FC received Rs. 50,000.
A total of 24 teams participated in this year’s edition. The tournament was organized by the 9 Assam Rifles under the aegis of the Headquarters 5 Sector Assam Rifles, HQ IGAR (North) and the HQ 3 Corp.