Players in action during a match at the ongoing Olive Futsal Cup on Saturday. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 4
The first 'Olive Futsal Cup' organized by Olive Futsal Cup kick-started here at Olive Turf, Olive Christian Hospital, Saturday.
A record 54 teams including 3 teams from Assam and two from Arunachal Pradesh are taking part in the prestigious cup with a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 to the ultimate champion besides individual cash prizes in different categories.
In the first match Aspect FC (Khelo India, Green Wood School) edged past Pandora FC by a solitary goal.
In the second match, Thahekhu Knights sailed through in the next round by defeating United Brothers (Medziphema) 1-0. The third match witnessed Bullfighters FC from Peren outgunning Super Five Naga United 5-1.
One of the most thrilling matches of the evening was between Nagaland Super Five versus Kakit. It was a like a match of titans that included national football players including James Kithan and Kivi Zhimomi. Locked in a 1-1 draw in normal play, the Super Five overcame a spirited Kakit 2-1 in the penalty shootout.
Futsal is a modified form of soccer played with five players per side usually on a smaller, typically indooor pitch.
Earlier, president of Dimapur District Auto Drivers Union, Tito Yepthomi, the chief guest of the inaugural event, lauded the organizers for roping in the maximum number of teams including those from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Yepthomi said he hoped that the Olive Futsal Cup would become an annual affair not only to promote and expose local talents but also build bondship with neighbours.
