Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sept 2
Custodian Peisuidibe Solo (1) brilliantly saved two penalty shots to place Kohima Komets Sporting Club (KKSC) to beat two-times champion New Market XI and be the first team for the final match of the Classic Club organized soccer tourney at Kohima Local Ground.Playing one of the most crucial match of the tourney, first semi-final, KKSC triumphed over NM-XI by 5-4 via tie-breaker as the teams were locked in 1-1 draw during the 105 minutes play, including the 90 minutes stipulated time and 15 minutes extra time.
The centrally located play field of the capital was almost packed as football fans thronged with expectation of the best match in the tourney and the two teams did give an extra ordinary display of football feast for the jam-packed spectators to remain back till the duck and encourage their teams till the final whistle which blew off at 5:44 pm.
Nonetheless, a foul within the first five minutes by NM defender in pulling down KKSC scoring maniac Yhunshalo Kemp (9) almost spoiled the spectators mood as Kivi Zhimomi (7) taking the direct free-kick managed to pierce the ball into the rival nets giving the first lead.
But, NM-XI continued their fight and with much ado, their mid-fielder Velukho Rhakho took advantage of rival custodian Peisuidibe advancement and flicked the ball into the nets for the equalizer within next four minutes.
In the 19th minute, NM-XI could have got the lead had not Mhasilie Krose header off Velukho pass gone over the cross bar while in the counter attack KKSC mid-fielder Khwetelhi Thopi (11) surging with the ball made it for Lalnghinglova (10) but his shot rebounded from the cross bar. Kivi tried to push the rebound but was saved by custodian Vekuto Puroh.
After which both sides made at least couple of attempts but failed to materialize and they moved for the lemon break locked in 1-1 draw.
The breather half started with referee Meyieto penalizing Lalnghinglova with yellow card in the 48th minute for KKSC, which was followed by a direct free kick from Velukho neatly blocked by custodian.
In an exciting moment, KKSC failed short of the lead during the 62nd minute as Khwetelhi Thopi’s shot bounced hitting right post. Two minutes later, NM-XI striker though got an opportunity inside the D’box failed to materialize it.
Referee penalized another KKSC player Kivi with a yellow card in the 73rd minute for making a false call inside the rival danger zone.
In the 78th minute, NM-XI almost suffered a major blow as the defence line didn’t left Kivi alone with the ball in expectation of offside, but he could not overcome custodian Vekuto. KKSC made excellent attempt with defender David Toullai (3) attacking from left wing crossed the ball for Yhunshalo, but his header landed in the safe gloves of custodian. The stipulated 90 minutes ended with the score board remaining static.
In the 15 minutes extra time, it was KKSC making two attempts through Kezhose Khizo (17) and Samuel R. Hmar (16) but to no avail while NM-XI could not get any attacking chance, except Kekhrie-o Pucho to be penalized with the third yellow card of the match. The teams remained locked to their first half goal even the extra time.
But, the tie-breaker favoured KKSC as their shooters managed to beat rival custodian with four shots while NM-XI managed only three. Samuel, Tingnyek, Bamdibe and Kivi Zhimomi converted their shots for KKSC.
NM-XI managed three shots through Keneisedelie, Haotingmang, Kekhrie-o. But KKSC custodian Peisuidibe blocked the second and fifth NM-XI shots taken by Kekhrieletuo and skipper Stephen Rutsa to put his team in the final of the tourney.
[tabs type="horizontal"][tabs_head][tab_title]TODAY’S MATCH[/tab_title][/tabs_head][tab]2nd SEMI-FINAL Time: 3:00 pm Head Hunters XI Vs Elite FC [/tab][/tabs]
