NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy

Billy Graham FC, Forerunners FC, Kuki United, Senapati FC win KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 29 : Former champions Lamkang Students’ Union (LSU) have been knocked out of the 17th edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy after they went down to Forerunners of the 4th NAP here at the Kohima local ground on Thursday. The police team came from behind to topple the visiting team leading to the exit of the latter from the ongoing month-long soccer tournament. The visiting team from Manipur took the first lead just before the interval in the 33rd minute through Bungthot, but the police team came back strong to come out victorious. Moving into the second half, the police team fought with a rejuvenated spirit to stay in the game. Moving into the final 10 minutes of the match, much to the joy of the police team, Matthew Kezhoze scored the equaliser in the 63rd minute. And when the match was heading for a tie, Kezhose scored again during stoppage to send the visiting team home.Playing the first match of the day, Billy Graham FC defeated Vanguard FC 2-1 to enter the next round. Billy Graham FC netted the first goal in the 8th minute through Chise Nyusou to take advantage of the first half. Moving into the second half, the Billy Graham FC scored the second goal in the 60th minute through Neikethozo. The Vanguard FC fought determinedly, but could score only a consolation goal through Calvin in the final minute. In the second match, the Kuki United also booked their entry into the tournament with their convincing victory against Red Hawks FC, Dihoma by 6-0. The Red Hawks FC were outclassed by the Kuki team in all departments as they were nowhere in position to recover from the huge deficit of goals. The Kuki United dominated the match right from the start. Simon Sitlhou scored the first goal in the 4th minute, while their striker Seilenmang scored the second in the 14th minute. Seilenmang again gave the Kuki United the third lead when he scored during the stoppage time of the first half. The team continued their dominance even after the interval. In the 56th minute, Gigin Haokip’s touch got pass the Red Hawk’s keeper to make it 4-0. Minutes later, it was celebration time for Seilenmang as he scored his third goal in the 63rd minute to join the list of hat-trick scorers. Moving into the stoppage time of the match, Kamgoulen Haokip, who was cautioned with a yellow card in the second half, went on to score the sixth goal to take the scoreboard to 6-0. Playing the third match, last year’s semi-finalist Senapati FC also registered their entry to the next round with their victory against Upper Bayavü Youth Organization 4-1. The Upper Bayavü Youth Organization took an early lead when Joseph scored within 30 seconds. The Senapati FC, who has a formidable line-up, fought back to equalise. But they were kept frustrated on many occasions as they couldn’t make any successful penetration into the opponent’s defence. Moving into the fourth quarter of the match, the Senapati FC, who had the better ball possession, found a relief when Sülünü gave them the much-needed equaliser in the 55th minute. The following minutes all belonged to the visiting team as they went on to score three more goals. Sushil netted the second goal for the visiting team in the 60th minute. Just when the Upper Bayavü YO pressed hard for the equaliser, the Senapati FC scored the third goal through Sana in the 68th minute, followed by Vareiyang in the 69th minute to take the scoreboard to 4-1. FIXTURE FOR TODAY FC Phusachodu Vs Tragopan Club, Viswema @ 9.30 am Renegades FC Vs Asufü Christian Institute @ 11 am Barak FC Vs Street Hawk FC @ 12.30 pm Kezoma Vill Students’ Union Vs Phileo FC @ 2 pm