NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy enters pre-quarter-finals

KOHIMA — After a long campaign of 27 matches played until Tuesday, the second-round matches of the 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy have concluded. The tournament will now proceed to the pre-quarter-finals starting Wednesday.

In the 27 matches, 124 goals were scored, with a record held by Thongoumang from Delai FC and V S Thotkadhar from Circle FC, Chedema, both leading with five goals each. They are followed by Rhitso Mero of Sechü-Zubza FC and Ginguhao from F4C, each with four goals.

The NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy 2024 is being organised by the Angami Students’ Union at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.

Related: NSF Trophy: 4 teams book spots for next round

On Tuesday, during the first match, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) outplayed Twenty XI FC with a 3-0 scoreline.

Goals for TKS were scored by Worchuipei Kashung in the 45th minute, followed by Yarchihan Kasar in the 56th minute and Aimso Chithung in the 57th minute, securing their place in the pre-quarter-finals. Yarchihan Kasar of TKS was adjudged the player of the match.

In the second match, Orami FC beat Re-United FC with a lone goal scored by Okhlüzo Thaprü in the 51st minute. Kevime Vitsu of Orami FC was named as the player of the match.

In the third match, Asüfü Football Academy (AFA) defeated the Kuki Students’ Organisation Nagaland (KSON) with a scoreline of 3-1.

Janjagin Kuki opened the scoring for AFA in the 8th minute, and an own goal by Korouhanba Laishram in the 10th minute equalised the score for KSON.

Bijoy Moktan scored a goal in the 60th minute, and Janjagin Kuki added his second goal in the 72nd minute, securing a berth for the team in the pre-quarter-finals. Wlakhom Arunkumar of Asüfü Football Academy was awarded the player of the match.

The fourth and final match of the day, which also marked the conclusion of the second-round matches, was played between Kohima College Kohima (KCK) and Khrietho FC Meriema. The match ended in a goalless draw at the final whistle.

The winner was decided via a tiebreaker, with Khrietho FC Meriema emerging victorious with a scoreline of 6-5. KCK’s goalkeeper, Pausuingaulung Doson, was awarded the player of the match.

With the second round concluded, the pre-quarter-finals will now be played in a 90-minute match format (45 minutes each half with a 10-minute break). In the event of a tie, the match will be decided by a tiebreaker.

WEDNESDAY’S MATCHES (PQF)

11:30 am – Red Scars FC vs Seithekiema FC

1:30 pm – Asüfü Christian Institute vs Pehlum Lamhil LA