Share
Players of Ziekiezuo SC (yellow) and Twenty XI Viswema, and match patron Kohima DC Rajesh Soudararajan, and organisers pose for a group photograph before a match at the Kohima local ground, on Monday. (EM Images)[/caption]
Kohima, Aug. 27 (EMN): Twenty XI Viswema defeated Ziekiezuo 5-4 via tie-breaker after the match ended 3-3 draw during the ongoing KTC cup here at the Kohima local ground on Monday.
Kevizhapu of Ziekiezuo SC missed the spot-kick during the penalty shootout as it proved costly for the team after captain Metol Niekha slotted home the winning goal for Twenty XI to win 5-4 via penalty shootout. Twenty XI will now clash against defending champion Sechu Zubza of Kohima Football League in the semi-final match on Aug. 29.
The soggy and foggy weather played spoilsport throughout the match.
Ziekiezuo SC goalkeeper Keneiphrezo Kire conceded twice in the first half. While Twenty XI failed to defend the score despite leading the goal twice in the match as the match ended in six goal thriller.
In the match, Twenty XI opened the scoring through a goalkeeping error of Kire after the ball slipped out of his hand for Kelesal Pucho to curl his effort into the net in the 25th minute.
Minutes later, Keviphretuo Kire bought back the game for Ziekiezuo with his brilliance and solo effort as he scored the equaliser in the 30th minute.
Kire was at fault again as he failed to clear a long ball with Zevito coming in to tap-in the lead for Twenty XI in the 37th minute.
In the second half, Keneinguzei Pienyii found the equalizer in the 56th min from a defensive lapse to make it 2-2. With no much impact on both sides, the match ended in a draw.
During the extra allotted time, Zevito Khizho scored his second goal in 101st minute but Keneinguzei Pienyii also scored again in the 104th minute to make it 3-3 at the end of the match.
In the penalty shootout, Twenty XI beat Ziekiezou by 5-4.
Rajesh Soudararajan (IAS) deputy commissioner of Kohima district was the match patron.
Tuesday's matches
3rd QF - United 16 FC vs New Market FC at 12 pm
4rd QF - Vanguard FC Tseminyu vs Khriekesa FC Meriema at 2 pm