Correspondent
KOHIMA, OCTOBER 16
Newly formed soccer club Naga United Wednesday became the first team to enter the final of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, organized by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) under the theme ‘Goal for Peace’ at Kohima Local Ground. Playing a close shave game, Naga United defeated Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) by a difference of a solitary goal.
Naga United taking advantage of a wrong off-side call, managed to gain supremacy within the first two minutes as Avilhou (15) swiftly moving with the ball passed in for colleague inside the D’box, wherein unmarked Kobou (9) materialized for the first blood.
In the seventh minute too, another mistake call of the SASU defenders gave free passage to Kobou who tried to chip the ball over the rival custodian Lhousi, but was neatly blocked.
In an exciting moment, SASU almost found their equalizer in the 15th minute as Sedevi made a long attempt, but custodian Alemse Sangtam managed to fist the ball for a corner. A nice cross by Avilhou in the 35th minute was headed towards the target by colleague Povil (17), but narrowly missed the nets.
In the counter attack, SASU forward Neitho-o managed to take a shot from inside the danger zone as custodian Alemse failed to collect an air ball, but his shot went off mark. However, an intentional foul inside the penalty area against Thejanguzo by rival defenders resulted in awarding a spot kick in favour of SASU in the 43rd minute, which was neatly converted into the much needed equalizer by Ngulie to end the first half in 1-1 draw.
Five minutes into the second half, SASU forward Neitho-o making a solo effort took a shot inside the box, but couldn’t find the nets.
However, it was Naga United defender Kornan giving his team the lead for the second time with an excellent header of Azo’s corner. Both of them had tried similar combinations twice in the first half too, but succeeded only in the 55th minute.
SASU continued its best to find the equalizer through Neitho-o, Sedevi and Keneiseho in the 64th, 72nd and 79th minute, but only to their desperation.
Earlier, a yellow card awarded to Avilhou in the 66th minute by the match referee created confusion amongst Naga United players however the match went ahead despite resentments.
Additional Secretary of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kevingutuo Sekhose witnessing today’s match as the patron gave away the semi-final allowances to the losing team and also handed over the award for ‘Player of the match’ to Ngulie of SASU.
2nd Semifinal on Oct 17
Nagaland Police vs HQ IGAR (N) at 2:00 pm
