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KOHIMA — The stage is set for the highly-anticipated finale of the 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy as SechüZubza FC faces off with Asüfü Football Academy on Saturday. After nearly a month of intense competition, the two teams will battle it out for the title at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Organized by the Angami Students' Union (ASU) in honour of Lt. VikhozoYhoshü and Lt. KekuojalieSachü, this tournament has showcased top-tier talent over the decades, and this final promises nothing short of fireworks.
Asüfü Football Academy (AFA), hailing from Manipur, has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament. Their road to the final began with a solid 2-0 victory over Kohima Sports Club, followed by a convincing 3-1 win against Kuki Students' Organisation Nagaland. The quarter-finals saw them deliver a masterclass, demolishing Orami FC 6-0, and they followed up with an emphatic 7-0 thrashing of Michazou FC in the semis. In the final-four clash, AFA edged past Circle FC Chedema with a hard-fought 2-1 win, earning their place in the grand finale.
On the other side, SechüZubza FC has also impressed with a gritty campaign. After earning a bye in the first round, the Nagaland-based side dispatched Magdaline Coaching Centre 4-2 to book a spot in the pre-quarterfinals. They then routed Jakhama Youth Organization (JYO) 6-1, before securing a 2-0 win over Football 4 Change Academy (F4C Academy) in the quarters. Their semi-final encounter with Asüfü Christian Institute was a close contest, with SZFC clinching a narrow 1-0 victory to seal their final berth.
With both teams in prime form, the final promises to be a thrilling contest between two sides. SechüZubza FC, with home advantage, will be looking to give their fans a trophy to celebrate, while Asüfü Football Academy aims to take the title back to Manipur.
The match kicks off at 1 pm, with Nagaland’s Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye, set to grace the grand finale as a special guest. Adding glamour to the event, Miss Grand India Nagaland 2024, NeiketounuoSechü, also Miss Nagaland 2023 and Miss Chümoukedima 2023, will make a special appearance.
Also read: NSF Trophy: Asüfü Football Academy to face Sechü Zubza FC in final