Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 15
Headquarter Inspector General Assam Rifles - North (HQ IGAR-N) today became the last team to book berth for the semi-finals at the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy organized by Angami Students’ Union at Kohima Local Ground. HQ IGAR-N humiliated visitors Koubru Sports Club, Manipur by a huge 7-0 margin, with Hmangaih Kiba scoring four goals. It was almost a one-sided game since the commencement of the match, but Koubru SC did manage to get an opportunity to score first in the 8th minute, however, Adam Panmei’s left footer went slightly over the bar.
After, the jawans of Assam Rifles were put on high alert to thwart any decisive moves from the rival attackers. Hmangaih opened the flood gates as he made a solo effort and scored the first lead in the 11th minute.
Ashik Sunar almost doubled the margin through a cross from Hmangaih in the 13th minute, but defender Jiban Singh cornered the ball. However, the next minute witnessed Hmangaih’s header through Rosangliana’s cross from the right-out bringing home the second lead. It was in the 23rd minute where he managed to score the hat-trick through a penalty conversion which was rewarded die to handball inside the danger zone by rival defender.
Buoyed by Hmangaih’s hat-trick before the lemon break, Assam Rifles continued the scoring spree in the second half too as Ashik Sunar scored his first and fourth for the team in the 48th minute.
In the 50th minute, Koubru made their second desperate attempt to find a face saver, however, Johnson Singh’s shot was neatly blocked by AR custodian. They conceded the fifth goal in the counter attack through E Zofa, while AI Singh scored the sixth in the 75th minute. It was Hmangaih Kiba sealing the scoreboard with his fourth and seventh for the team in the last minute of the stipulated 90 minutes play. With the four goals scored today, Hmangaih has placed himself in the second position amongst the highest goal scorers of the tourney, after Limakukzuk of Nagaland Police who has 13 goals to his credit so far. Hmangaih also received the player of the match award from patron Joint Secretary (Works & Housing) Rovilatuo Mor. The HQ IGAR-N will take on Nagaland Police in the second semi finals on Thursday.
SEMI FINALS FIXTURE
OCTOBER 16
Time: 2 pm
Southern ASU
Vs Naga United Club
OCTOBER 17
Time: 2 pm
HQ IGAR-N
Vs Nagaland Police
