15th JVOFT: Nallong FC to face Jalukie B Youth in final

Players of Benreu FC (blue)  and Jalukie B Youth (A) in orange jersey seen in action during the second semifinal match of the tournament at Jalukie 'B' local ground.

Players of Benreu FC (blue) and Jalukie B Youth (A) in orange jersey seen in action during the second semifinal match of the tournament at Jalukie 'B' local ground.

Jalukie, March 6 (MExN): Nallong (White) FC and Jalukie B Youth (A) won their respective semi-final matches to set up a final clash at the 15th Jalukie Valley Open Football Tournament on March 8.

Playing in front of the packed Jalukie 'B' local ground, Nallong FC stunned two-time winners and defending champions Wihiambo FC Jalukie by a solitary goal in the first semi-final match on Saturday. 

The lone goal for Nallong came through the boots of Kawililakbou in the 2nd minute of the first half. 

With Rhitsho Mero the talisman of Wihiambo out of the game following a red card in the quarter finals match, the team failed to fill up the gap. 

The exit of Wihiambo's playmaker Khiuwangbo Awang Kaurintah in the second half of the match also added to their misfortune. 

Meanwhile, Jalukie B got the better of Benreu FC in a five goal thriller match in the second semi-final match. 

Jalukie B secured the 3-2 win in the additional time despite percetibple ball dominance from Benreu FC.

Earlier, Sehginthang Hangsing of Jalukie B scored the first goal of the match in the 37th minute.    

Jalukie goalkeeper James managed to save a penalty taken by Benreu winger Kevisanyu Peseyie minutes later to end the first half in their advantage. 

When the match resumed, Peseyie amended his mistake by finding the net in the 55th minute to keep his team in the reckoning.  

But Jalukie B’s Bapen Yintong scored another goal almost immediately to keep his team ahead. 

In the last quater of the match, Benreu’s captain Kethozapu Zeliang equalized ending the normal allotted time in stalemate. 

In the additional time, Jalukie forward Samuel struck the winning goal to secure a victory and send Benreu home. 

The final match will be played on Monday.    

The tournament, being organised by Jalukie Valley Youth Organization, is dubbed as one of the biggest and most anticipated tournament of the valley, and 26 teams are participating this year.