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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 19 (EMN): Puliebadze, Berenike and Viswemi FC made it to the pre-quarterfinals after winning their respective matches at the ongoing 21st NSF Martyrs' Memorial Trophy, at IG Stadium in Kohima on Tuesday.
Playing the first match of the day, Puliebadze defeated Dynamic FC 3-1 with a brace from Oinam Metei in the 21st and 43rd minutes followed by a late goal from Nipusizo. The consolation goal for Dynamic was scored by Lani.
Earlier, before the match, Puliebadze paid tribute to the late Naga veteran footballer Aotemjen Kibang Jamir, who recently passed away. Kibang in his football career had played for East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Tollygunge Agragami, and Sporting D Goa among others. The organising committee along with the teams also observed a two-minute silence in honour for the departed soul.
In the second match, Berenike booked their victory to the next stage after narrowly beating Chüziema 7-6 during the nail-biting penalty shootout.
Earlier, Petevizo Kezieo found the target for Berenike in just the second minute from the commencement of the game. Soon after, Chüziema restored parity and Medozieu equalized the score in the 10th minute.
After the lemon break, Berenike took the lead again through Shürhosül Zhotso’s goal in the 43rd minute, followed by the spirited Chüziema equalising the scoreline again through Menguzelie’s goal within the next minute in the counter attack to end the match in a 2-2 tie. Despite their hard fought efforts, Chüziema had to give in to Berenike by a goal deficit.
Meanwhile, Viswemi from Pool-B managed to sail through to the pre-quarters defeating Invictus FC, Khezhakeno. Playing against a tough contender, Viswemi scored through Metol Neikha, Kelengoto James and Vipukho. Despite Neiniow and Kekhrie netting a goal each for Invictus, the team lost the game by the margin 3-2 against Viswemi after the final whistle.