Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 26
Khulioh King Tuensang blanked 10th NAP (IR) XI to enter the pre-quarters of the ongoing NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy held today at Khuochiezie Ground, Kohima.
Playing the last match of the day, the team from Tuensang humbled the police team by 6-0, thereby knocked them out of the month-long tournament.
The police team had a disappointing start as Salangtoshi was penalized with a yellow card in the first minute of the game.
Nungsang Ao and Bei Khiamniungan, who both scored a hat-trick in the first round, were on target even today as they both found the net very early in the match to give their team the much needed lead.
Nungsang scored in the 5th minute, while Bei Khiamniungan netted the second goal in the 6th minute. The 10th NAP players were left fully demoralized as Ratobe scored the third goal in the 11th minute.
Entering the second half, the effort of 10th NAP to fight back was shattered as Bei again scored for his team in the 37th minute.Joining the celebration, T. Shellim delivered in the 61st minute to score the fifth goal for his team, while Ratobe sealed the match for his team in the 69th minute to humiliate the 10th NAP team with a 6-0 margin.
The 10th NAP (IR) not only had their share of goals, but four of their players were also cautioned with cards, including a red card, for unfair play. After being penalized with double yellow cards, Yeihwang of 10th NAP (IR) also became the first player of this edition to be sent off from the field. He was shown the first yellow in the 60th minute, and the second in the 69th minute.
10th NAP players Masenbuibo and Seyiekhrielie were also cautioned in the 44th minute and 70th minute respectively.
Earlier in the first match, the Tribal FC, Kohima were lucky to make it through to the pre-quarters as they overcame their rivals Forerunners of 4th NAP Battalion, Thizama, through tie-break.
With the end of the stipulated 70-minutes play, both the teams were leveled with three goals each, however, the Tribal FC had the last laugh in the tie-break.
Forerunners’ centre forward Manen Ao gave his team an early jubilation as he scored within 52 seconds. The Tribal FC found the equalizer in the 18th minute through Elabemo, however, their celebration was short lived as Forerunners’ midfielder Seyiekhrietuo scored in the 20th minute giving his team to take the lead for the second time, followed by Manen in the 36th minute.
Though trailing behind before the interval, the second half saw a rejuvenated Tribal FC as they went all out to level the match. It was in the 44th minute where Tribal FC player Luoselie scored the second goal for his team. Entering the last 10 minutes of play, Zakietuolie found the equalizer in the 62nd minute.
In the second match, Country Boys FC made it to the pre-quarters after coming from behind to beat Yhome FC, Kohima by 2-1.
It was the Yhome FC who took the first lead in the 30th minute through Kevizapou Lhoungu. Till the first half, it seemed like the Yhome FC had the upper hand, however, the Country Boys came back strong to win the match.
The Country Boys leveled the match in the 64th minute, and within no time they again scored in the 68th minute to make it 2-1. Yhome FC’s hope of progressing further was shattered during the last 10 minutes of play.
The Country Boys will next play against Barak FC, Peren on October 5, while Tribal FC will take on Khulioh King Tuensang on the same day.
