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Players of Football Association Phek District posing with Dr. T. Ao Trophy after beating Kohima district 2-1 at the IG stadium in Kohima on Sat. Feb. 2. (EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 2 (EMN): Players of Football Association Phek District (FAPD) defeated Kohima XI 2-1 to clinch the XXth Inter District Football Championship 2019 at the IG Stadium, Kohima on Sat. Feb. 2.
In an evenly contested match, which saw the stadium thronged to the brim with supporters of both teams, Phek district drew first blood when their striker Punuru netted the first goal in the 7th minute. But the Kohima boys upped their ante and began to find tempo which finally paid off as their ever-reliant striker Kezhose drew parity near the end of the second half in the 42nd minute.
In the second half, the spirited Phek boys would have completely routed their opponents if not for the heroics of Kohima XI goalkeeper, Medophrezo Kezio, in more than one occasion as Phek applied counter attacks one after the other. Their resilience finally paid off when Phek striker Rhitso Mero scored in the 66th minute on a fine display of sublime counter attack.
Phek could have doubled their lead in the second half as their captain Khwetelhi Thopi beat Kohima custodian in a quick counter attack but his efforts was cleared by the young and talented Kohima under 21 defender, Hekato Aye, from the neck of the goal line.
Advisor for DUDA, N. Bongkhao Konyak,who was the special guest at the final match enlightened the players and crowd about the positive impact sports can bring to inspire and unite the people and society. He also expressed gratitude to the department of Youth Resources and Sports for organising the tournament in a grand fashion and thereby bringing the people of all districts together through the tournament. He also encouraged the players to follow the great legacy of the legendary player, Dr. T. Ao and dedicate their time and talent in order to excel in their chosen profession.
The champion team received a cash prize of INR 3 lakh and the runners-up team received a cash prize of INR 2 lakh besides individual prizes. The inter-district championship, also known as Dr. T Ao trophy, was organised in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of Dr. T. Ao, the first Naga Olympian and the first captain of free India football team.
Individual awards: