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Players of Naga FC and Nao-Mei FC with the match officials, IGAR (N) Maj Gen Sanjay Gupta, DGP LL Doungel and others before the inaugural match at Kohima local ground on Wednesday, September 13. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Sep. 13 (EMN): Defending champions Naga FC snatched a late goal victory against Nao-Mei FC 1-0 to advance to the second round of the 3rd Kenguruse Memorial Football Tournament here at Kohima local ground.
Playing the inaugural match today, the two times champions were pushed to the task by the debutant Nao-Mei FC from Mon district.
The first half ended in a disappointing goalless draw, but Khwetelhi Thopi’s second half goal gave Naga FC a breather, which in the end was enough to take them to the next round. Naga FC will next play against the winner of the match between Losami Boys FC and Nerhema FC scheduled on September 16.
Both the teams had their share of chances during the match, but failed to convert it to their advantage. The defending champs had better ball possession and also created enough scoring opportunities, but their inability to find the back of the net kept frustrating them all throughout the match.
Nao-Mei FC could have taken the lead in the first half when their centre forward Tonpang Konyak delivered a long range volleyed shot, however, Naga FC’s custodian Peisuidebe could manage to put the ball away.
Minutes later, Kekhrie Tsirah wasted an opportunity inside the inner circle though he was left unmarked. Kekhrie’s shot went above the bar, only to frustrate his captain Rhitso Mero who delivered a superb pass after making a successful penetration into the opposition’s defence line.
Moving into the final minutes before the interval, Khwetelhi came on one-on-one with the keeper, but the custodian Puching Konyak managed to put the ball away.
When the match seemed to be heading for a tie-breaker, Khwetelhi, who wasted numerous opportunities, came to the rescue of his team by scoring the much needed goal.
During the following minutes, Naga FC escaped from what could have been a spot kick when their keeper collided with one of their opponents’ forward, but the referee continued with the play.
Nao-Mei FC also fought back to stay in the game, but were denied from making the equalizer. Samson Konyak also wasted an opportunity in helping his team finding the equalizer.
Naga FC strived hard in doubling the lead through the attempts of Khwetelhi, Salu Kulim and Rhitso Mero, but all of their shots went out of the bar.
A total of 24 teams from all the eleven districts are participating in this year’s tournament with the final match scheduled on September 21 at Kohima local ground.
All the matches for Group B & D, till the pre-quarterfinal round, would be played at Tsiese Basa ground, it was informed. The remaining matches would be played at Kohima local ground.
This year’s champions will fetch a cash award of Rs. 1,70,000 along with trophy and citations, while the runners-up will be given Rs. 80,000 along with trophy and citations. The two losing semi-finalists will receive Rs 25,000 each, while various individual awards have also been arranged which will be announced during the closing ceremony.
Earlier, the inaugural function was graced by Maj Gen Sanjay Gupta IGAR (North) and DGP Nagaland LL Doungel as the chief guests.
In another match played at Tsiese Basa ground, Naga Terriers blanked IGAR(N) 6-0 to make it through to the next round.
Y. Khekiho Chishi scored first for Naga Terriers in 16th minute, while T Khampai scored the second in the 28th minute. Chishi again found the net for the second time and his team’s third goal in the 34th minute.
All out to demoralise the IGAR (N), the Naga Terriers netted the fourth goal through Chingkamlong in the 59th minute, followed by Medo Angami with the fifth in the 67th minute, while Kevi Richa sealed the score board with the sixth goal in the 80th minute.
Tuli United FA vs Noklak FC at 8 am
DGP Kohima vs Vanguard FC at 10 am
Nine Zone Peren vs Friends United FC at 2.30 pm
Pochury FC vs Youth Association Merangkong at 7 am
Surayin FC vs Green Club at 9.30 am
Laimcishm FC Vs Zisaji XI Club at 12 noon