Action from the semi-finals match between New Market XI and St. Joseph’s College Jakhama on November 18. (Morung Photo)
New Market blanks St. Joseph’s 9-0, sets up final clash with defending champs Barak FC
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 18
New Market XI send out a warning to the defending champs Barak FC with a 9-0 annihilation of St. Joseph’s College Jakhama at the semi-finals today at the Kohima Local Ground.
New Market’s strike team was in fine form as 7 of the goals were shared between strikers Kezhose Khizho and Khwetelhi Thopi. Thopi ended the match with 4 goals to his credit and also joined St. Joseph’s Tamthing as the highest scorers of the tournament with 9 goals each. All of Thopi’s 4 goals came in the second half. His second and the team’s 6th was from a penalty awarded for a handball foul.
His strike partner Kezhose Khizho made merry completing a hattrick in the first half, striking the first in the 16th, third in the 33rd and the fourth in the 36th minute. The second goal was a set piece from striker Medoneituo Sekhose, who ensured a free-kick that came his way found the back of the net.
Substitute Vekruto Resu joined the goal fest late in the game to make it 9-0 eight minutes from the final whistle.
Defending and 3-time champions Barak FC await New Market at the final on November 20. Barak defeated Kohima Eagles FC at the semi-finals on November 17. Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carolus, Vicar General, Diocese of Kohima, Nagaland will grace the grand finale. The final match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm.
Challenger Cup on November 19
The Kohima Press Club (KPC) will take on Classic Club at the 10th edition of the Challenger Cup on November 19 at 2:00 pm at the Kohima Local Ground. Commemorating the 10th Challenger Cup, a special “Thanksgiving Service” will also take place with Rev. Moa Longchari, Sr. Pastor, Baptist Mission Church as special guest.
Classic Club president K. Neibou Sekhose and Kohima Press Club president Xavier Rutsa will also speak on the occasion.
The annual feature football match started in 2006 and is completing a decade in this edition. It was not played in 2008 and 2010.
The Classic Club has won the cup three times consecutively in2014, 2015 and 2016) and also in 2006 and 2007. The KPC has won three times in2009, 2012 and 2013.
Classic Club is expected to be led by MLA Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, who is a life member of the club. KPC will be led by Neibu Sechii.
