Principal Correspondent
Kohima, September 6
A second-half sore by Nampibo helped Barak Football Club (BFC) to lift the prestigious trophy - 20th Classic Cup organized by Classic Club Kohima at Khouchiezie (Local Ground) here today.
Second place winners of 2012 edition of Classic Cup and former champs of Nagaland Premier League, Barak FC defeated two-time champs Nagaland Police by the solitary goal.However, as the match commenced as per the scheduled sudden foggy weather played spoilsports and the match had to be stopped in the first five minutes of the game. Despite some drizzle, the visibility was very poor and so the match was held up for 43 minutes, but the packed football fans anxiously waited for the match to resume.
As the weather got clear, it was announced that the match would be played for 80 minutes (40+40) and that in case of tie, direct penalty shoot-out would be applied to decide the winner.
Nevertheless, playing a closely contested final match, both sides were equally dominant and also competent enough to hold back either side, despite continued efforts by rival forwards to break into the nets.
Barak made the first decisive move in the 15th minute as Davikho made a clean pass for unmarked Emsolung inside the D’box, who made sure goal grounder into second post but cops defender Vizohu was right on the goal-line to clear it safe. Two minutes later, Nyinthong Magh tried a solo effort and took the shot only to go behind for a goal-kick.
It was a minute before the lemon break that cops made their target attempt through Ninja but Barak custodian Peisuidibe disappointed him to end the first half in a deadlock of goalless draw.
Ten minutes into the breather half, it was BFC skipper Tingnyek Konyak trying a long ranger but landed straight into cops custodian Mezhülhoukho’s gloves. Cops made another effort as building up combination Lemtong crossed the ball for Sakutemjen, who made a grounder but Peisuidibe managed to collect it safely.
Nevertheless, in was in the 62nd minute Barak mid-fielder Nampibo managing to break the dead-lock leaving the rival defence and custodian astounded while the jam-packed crowd rose to rousing applause and cheers.
They almost manage to double the lead within the next minute but this time Nzauhut’s shot went out of play hitting the side post. In the 64th minute, Ninja made desperate attempt for the much need equalizer but went over the cross bar and thereafter either were unable to move the score board.
A total of five players, four of Nagaland Police and one of Braka FC were penalized with yellow card for foul play.
Winning the championship Barak FC received cash award of Rs. 1.50 lakh with trophy and citation while runners-up Nagaland Police received Rs. 70,000 with citation.
In the individual category, the players received Rs. 5000 with citation, while the player of the tournament received Rs. 10000 with citation.
Gracing the valedictory function as the chief guest, Minister for RD and REPA CL John gave away prizes to the winners.
