KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 21: MRH FC entered the final of the ongoing Morning Champions Cup 2016 with their victory against Merhülietsa FC (MFC) 4-2 in the second semi final on Wednesday.
During the match, the MFC took an early lead in the first half as Tseibu scored in the 4th minute. Though trailing behind, the MRH fought back to stay in the game. Entering the second half, the MRH FC regrouped well to keep the MFC on the back foot. MRH found a breather as Asu scored the equalizer to level the score.
MRH FC scored again in the 72nd minute when Isak found himself one on one with the MFC keeper, which he successfully converted the goal. Asu managed to keep his composure and slotted the ball behind the keeper to make it 2-1.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, MFC was favoured with a penalty after Tseibu was brought down by the MRH FC keeper. Tseibu successfully converted to make it 2-2.
Entering the final minutes, when the match was almost heading for a tie, MFC were once again outdone by their defence frailties as Asu was given so much time and space to head in his 2nd goal of the game in the 85th minute to make it 3-2.
Moving on to the stoppage time, it was all over in favour of MRH FC as they were rewarded with a penalty as one of MFC’s defender handled the ball inside the box. Taking the spot kick, Asu completed his hat trick end the scoreboard 4-2.
In the first semi-final played on Tuesday (September 20) at IG Stadium, Kohima, the Medical XI made their entry into the final after they edged out AFFC by 3-2.
Mele gave AFFC a comfortable lead till the interval by scoring two goals; however, the Medical XI bounced back in the second half to beat their opponents.
Medical XI scored their first goal in the 55th minute as Kekhrie’s touch got passed the keeper. The Medical XI was lucky to be rewarded with a penalty in the 63rd minute as Theja was brought down by the AFFC keeper inside the D-box. Taking the spot kick, Kekhrie converted it successfully to level the scoreboard.
The match headed for extra time as the stipulated time of 90 minutes ended with 2-2 draw. In the 98th minute, it was jubilation time for the Medical XI as yet again rewarded with another penalty resulting from a handball inside the inner box.
As if luck was on his side to score the hat-trick, Kekhrie took the spot kick and ensured teh victory of his team to the final.
The Medical XI will take on the MRH in the final on 24th September at Jakhama Ground, while the MFC and AFFC will battle out for the third place.
