Kohima, May 30 (EMN): Youngsters’ favourite Barak FC will play against New Market FC, one of the oldest clubs in Nagaland and an all-time favourite, in the grand finale of the 4th Kohima Super Cup 2022 at IG Stadium Kohima on Tuesday at 5:30 pm.
Barak FC is making a comeback after a five-year gap, while New Market FC is a 45-year-old club based in Kohima.
New Market remains unbeaten in the tournament so far, while Barak FC lost a match against Magdaline FC during the league match.
Aloumei Panmei, Barak FC captain and the only player from the old Barak FC squad, is unlikely to play in the first 11 due to his injury. Playmaker Awang Kaurintah will likely lead the team, while midfielder Victor Thomsong will continue to lead the team for New Market FC as the captain.
The champion of the Super Cup will walk home with a cash prize of INR 1,80,000 along with trophy and citations, while the runner-up will win INR 1,20,000. The losing semi-finalists -- A Yhome FC, G Sports FC -- will also receive INR 30,000 each.
The individual awards include player of the tournament, best coach, best referee, best midfielder, best keeper, best defender, best striker, highest scorer, most promising player and best fans club award.
Toka Achumi of Aphuyemi FC is the leading scorer of the tournament with nine goals, while Nyithong Magh of New Market FC has eight goals so far.
On the eve of the match, both teams expressed optimism to go home with the trophy, which 17 teams vied for.
Meanwhile, G Daniel Rongmei, Coach of Barak FC said that the club is back to the football scene after five long years in the Kohima Super Cup making it through to the final after a tough semi-final against G- Sports winning on penalties.
He said, “Heading into the final, the squad has recovered well despite some injuries setting us back but we are optimistic and fully prepared to take on New Market in the final.”
The starting 11 for the finals will be missing marquee player and captain, Aloumai Panmei. This is when a deep squad comes into play as Alapao, a young and upcoming midfielder, will be holding the midfield alongside Winam and Paul, the coach said adding that in the frontline, leading the attack will be ISL player and Indian national team prospect Boaringdao Bodo along with Elminhao and Hminglu.
He maintained that the management is now aiming at targeting the grassroots level and inoculating young players from the grassroots level with their wealth of undiscovered talents for sports. This effort also includes bringing in the ISL player, Boarindao Bodo, who is poised to play for the team, which the management hopes will inspire more people, especially the younger players to take up football professionally and more seriously with the goal of improving and furthering the declining sport scenario in Nagaland.
Further Rongmei stated that the Barak fans have also started reviving to support and cheer on the grand old club, while exuding hope of reviving the old glory days of the club in the coming years.
Stephen Rutsa, Coach of New Market FC said that the team is immensely blessed to have reached the grand finale after a long gap, while expressing gratitude to all the well wishers for their unceasing support.
“As we move into the final, the team is motivated and mentally prepared. The team will also be making sure that they don't make the same mistakes/errors committed in the previous matches. It is good to see the players also studying and marking their opponents”, he stated.
Rutsa asserted that ‘as for the position and formation, we might not see any major changes’ and added that ‘the team is hopeful and confident, with God by our side, that we will be bringing the coveted title’.
Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Chairman, NBOCWWB will attend the closing ceremony as the special guest. The three-week long football tournament is organised by Kohima Town Club (KTC).