Red Scars FC lift 23rd NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy

KOHIMA — Red Scars FC emerged champions of the 23rd edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy by triumphing over Liangmai FC in the thrilling final played at Indira Gandhi Stadium (IGS) in Kohima on Saturday.

The action-packed final match saw Yhunshalo Kemp giving Red Scars FC an early lead by scoring in the 23rd minute and add one more goal later in the game, while Hminghlu and Hongreinwung Richard also scored a goal each to seal a victory for the team.

Liangmai FC put up a spirited fight with Zuzum Punyü and Winanthiu Ringdi scoring a goal each for the team but that was not enough, as they conceded defeat to Red Scars FC with a 2-4 scoreline after the final whistle.

Red Scars FC lifted the trophy and walked away with a cash prize of INR 2.5 lakh along with a citation, while the runners-up, Liangmai FC received INR 1.50 lakh along with a citation.

The two losing semi-finalists, United FC Piphema and New Market FC, received INR 35,000 each, while the four losing quarter-finalists were awarded INR 20,000 each.

The Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball) title went to Winanthiu Ringdi of Liangmai FC for his outstanding contribution on the field throughout the tournament, for which he was awarded a scooty, while Yhoto Lohe of A Yhome FC and Yhunshalo Kemp of Red Scars FC, who scored nine goals each, were jointly awarded the Highest Scorer (Golden Boot) title, for which they received INR 10,000 along with trophies and citations.

The Best Custodian (Golden Glove) award went to Kevichutuo Kire of United FC Piphema, the Best Midfielder award went to Khiuwangbo Kaurinta of New Market FC, the Best Defender title to Vikethozo Zhotso of Red Scars FC and the Best Custodian (Golden Glove) award to Kevichutuo Kire of United FC Piphema. These individual award winners were rewarded with INR 10,000, a trophy and a citation each.

Organised by the Angami Students Union (ASU), this year’s edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, which started on September 18, saw 34 teams from Nagaland and neighbouring states competing for the title.

Special guest of the closing ceremony, President of the Nagaland Football Association (NFA), K Neibou Sekhose, who is also an executive member of the All India Football Federation (AIFF), gave away the prizes to the winners.

Also read: NSF Trophy 2023: Showdown between Red Scars FC, Liangmai FC set to begin