Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 21
Day-5 of the ongoing NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy witnessed raining goals as Veracious Football Club, Tiema Khe, Medziphema Village Students Union (MVSU) and New Market XI romped into the second round of the month-long soccer tournament held at Khuochiezie Ground, Kohima.
Out of the four matches played today, a total of 23 three goals were conceded while six players were penalized with yellow cards for unfair play. The day also witnessed the fastest goal (till day-5) of this year’s edition and the first hat-trick and double hat-trick of the tournament.
Playing the second match of the day, Tiema Khe of Kidima village routed their rivals Junior Anchor Club (JAC), Kohima, with a big margin of 9-0. Apart from the victory, the team from Kidima has every reason to come enter the next match with lots of positivity as two of their players Sorhosül Pucho and Zadutol Phinyo both scored hat-trick.
Tiema Khe’s centre forward Sorhosül found the net in a record timing of 18 seconds, followed by another goal in the 6th minute. Their opponents were left fully demoralized as Zadutol scored the third goal in the 12th minute.
Even before the first quarter of the match, the players of Junior Anchor Club had apparently surrendered the match as Sorhosül scored his hat-trick goal in the 16th minute, becoming the first player to do so. Zadutol soon followed with his second goal after delivering a superb touch in the 22nd minute, while Sorhosül netted his fourth goal in the 28th minute making it 5-0.The Anchor Club players were never in a position to turn back the game to their favour as they found themselves trailing behind all throughout the 70-minute match.
All out to demoralize their opponents, the Tiema Khe players maintained no complacency even in the second half. Zadutol scored his hat-trick goal in the 49th minute, while Sorhosül was rewarded with his double hat-trick as he found the net twice in the 66th and 68th minutes. Though the match stood one-sided, the spectators were to their feet to applause the performance of the double hat-trick player who did exceptionally well on the day.
Earlier in the first match, Veracious FC, Phek, signaled their entry to the tournament with a 6-0 win against Flamers FC, Kohima.
The Flamers were no match before the Phek team who dominated the match all throughout the 70 minutes. Veracious FC centre forward Ripre Wetsah scored his team’s first goal in the 17th minute. Just before the half time whistle, Ripre doubled the figure in the 34th minute.
Entering the second half, Weshelo Mero scored his team’s third goal in the 36th minute, followed by another goal from Wede Mero in the 45th minute.
All out to humiliate the Flamers FC, Mherhuwe delivered a brilliant touch in the 57th minute scoring his team’s fifth goal. And by the 62ndminute, Weshelo netted his second goal and sealed the match for his team. Veracious FC, Phek will next meet Tiema-Khe, Kidima, on 30thSeptember.
The only competitive game was witnessed in the third match as Medziphema Village Students’ Union (MVSU) had a narrow win against Dihoma Students’ Union (DSU) by 2-1.
It was DSU who took the lead in the 23rd minute through the touch of Rovisie Yashü. MVSU found the equalizer in the 33rd minute through their left forward Khriebulie Rino. It was in the 46th minute, where MVSU centre forward Kikrukhrielie Kuotsu scored a brilliant goal to take his team to the next round.
Playing the fourth match of the day, local favorites New Market XI registered a convincing victory against Zhavame Students Union (ZSU), Phek, with a margin of 5-0.
Till the first quarter of the match, the ZSU had the upper hand and looked like they were up to give a tough test to their rivals, New Market XI, whose line up was filled with some prominent soccer players.
The New Market XI turned the match back to their favour through their left forward Osen Longkumer in the 15th minute, followed by another goal from Achamo Shitiri in the 22nd minute.
Though trailing behind, the ZSU were made to remain defensive all throughout the second half as the New Market XI continued with their dominance from all corners. The New Market players performed exceptionally well as they kept busy the opponent’s defenders and custodian.
Continuous change of attacking tactics favoured them as Vilukho Rhakho scored his team’s third goal in the 37th minute. New Market’s centre forward Yhunshalo Kemp sealed the match with his two second half goals in the 54th and 56th minutes to take his team to the next round.
New Market XI will next meet Oriental College, Kohima, on 29th September.
