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Players of Ziekiezou SC (in yellow) and New Market in action during their match at the ongoing 2nd Kohima Football League here at the Kohima local ground on Friday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Aug 17: Second placed Ziekiezou SC came from two goals down to take the lead but Gideon Leo came to rescue in the second half for New Market and snatch a point here at the Kohima local ground on Friday.
A draw means Ziekiezuo SC temporarily moved to the top of the Kohima Football League table with 21 points, while New Market remained in third place with 19 points with a game remaining in the league.
Khriekesa FC’s match against Sechü Zubza FC could decide the fate of the Kohima Football League as Zubza team will take a two point lead with the win or a draw will put them above Ziekiezuo on better goal difference.
But 5th placed Khriekesa FC’s win will also put some faith for New Market and Ziekezou to win the league again.
Gideon Leo scored two and created one for New Market but it was not enough for the team as Vilhoubeituo Yhome’s brace and Punuru goal for Ziekiezuo SC snatched a draw in the six-goal thriller.
In the match, it was New Market FC who took the deserving lead through talisman Gideon Leo in the 9th minute. A through ball from Kethozhapu Meru for Gideon to seize the opportunity to score for the team.
A defensive error from Ziekiezuo SC handed the second goal through Salu Kulim for New Market in the 19th minute. The defender failed to clear the ball and Gideon was pulled down by the keeper inside the area. Kulim coolly converted the spot kick.
However New Market failed to defend the score as brilliant solo effort from Keneinguzei Pienyu edged passed the defenders and assited Vilhoubeituo Yhome to score in the 23th minute to make it 1-2 for Ziekiezuo SC.
Yhome was also culpable as he missed two golden opportunities in the first half.
Punuru then scored the equaliser from a goalkeeping error in the 36th minute.
A long range kick was deflected back into its own net by the keeper Sedevituo Seretsu to make it 2-2.
In the second half, Vilhoubeituo Yhome headed home the third goal as his teammate Khriekethozo Keretsu latched a long cross who met Yhome to head home and bring much joy to Zeikiezuo team.
There was no stopping from Gideon as he rose up on the occasion again to score in the 72nd minute to score the equaliser.
With both the team failing to seize the opportunity to find the winning goal, the match ended in a draw.
Narendra Singh, Lt.Colonel of the 3rd Assam Rifles was the match patron.
Exhibition match
Due to varied technical issues, the exhibition match scheduled for August 8 in memory of late Xavier Rutsa between KTC and KPC has been rescheduled to 4 pm. All concerned and well-wishers are requested to take note of the change in time and be part of the memorial match.
Khriekesa FC Meriema vs Sechü Zubza FC at 2 pm
Kohima Press Club vs Kohima Town Club at 4 pm