Barak, Forerunners enter semis
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 18
Defending champions Barak FC and Forerunners FC today moved into the semifinals of the ongoing 17th NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy. They join Nagaland Police (Red) and Nagaland Police (Blue) in the semis.
Barak FC brushed past Tiemakhe, Kidima 4-1 to book its berth in the semis.
Barak FC went ahead in the 22nd minute through Aloumei before centre forward Salu doubled the lead in the 34th minute.
Shiirosiil Pucho, one of the leading goal scorers with 7 goals to his name, pulled one back for Tiemakhe, Kidima in the 47th minute.
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Nampi scored in the 50th minute to restore the two goal lead before Rhitso Mero completed the rout in 85th minute.
Zadutol Phinyo of Tiemakhe Kidima was cautioned with a yellow card in the 43rd minute.
Earlier, the match was graced by Watienla Jamir, Director Horticulture Department, as the patron, and a special number was presented by Dziesekhrienuo Keretsii.
In the second match of the day, one of the title contenders Forerunners FC 4th NAP came from behind to beat debutants P. Vizheto FC from Niuland 3-1.
In one of the most exciting, competitive and thrilling match, both teams showed extraordinary skills and created numerous chances.
It was not until the 43rd minute that the deadlock was broken when Nito (10) put Vizheto FC ahead.
Unshaken, Forerunners FC immediately fought back and minutes later, in the stoppage time of the first half, left winger Nyethong Rengma beautifully found the back of the net from a long range free kick.
In the second half, both teams created chances but failed to convert any of them. Forerunners were again dependent on long range shots as midfielder Medoneituo (7) and Kezevituo (17) both scored from distance in the 77th and 85th minutes respectively.
Seyiekhrietuo (10) and Kechie Kulembe (3) of Forerunners FC and Kato (7) of P. Vizheto FC were cautioned with yellow cards for unsporting behaviour.
The patron for the match was Kevithuto Sophie, AIG (Supply) PHQ Kohima. Prior to the match a special number was presented by Keneisedenuo Zatsu. Nourhengunuo Zatsu, finalist of the Gospel Hunt 2016, also presented a song during the lemon break.
Forerunners FC will take on defending champions Barak FC in the second semi-finals on October 20.
