Our Correspondent Kohima, Sept 9 Khriekesa FC defeated New Market FC 2-1 to take hold of the KTC Cup 2017 in a thrilling final played today at the Kohima local ground. The first half saw spirited action in the midfield but both sides did not find much success to clear chances. New Market struck in the second half to get the lead with Keyidwasaplung connecting with a brilliant low cross from Achamo Shitio and into the net. The joy was cut short as New Market paid dear for a handball foul inside the area. Khriekesa skipper Yhunshalo Kemp successfully took the spot kick to equalise. The match almost went to New Market when a shot from Keyidwasaplung hit the woodwork. The winner came in extra time with the match on the brink of a penalty shootout. Neiphrezolie Usou struck the winner with two minutes remaining, slotting home the ball after the defenders failed to clear the ball inside the area. Rhitso Mero, Stephen Rutsa, Achamo Shitio of New Market FC were shown the yellow card. Khriekesa FC were awarded a cash purse of Rs.30,000 sponsored by Dr.Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister for Roads & Bridges along with trophy and certificates. Runners up New Market FC were awarded with Rs.20,000 also sponsored by Dr. Kire. Earlier, guest of honor, Dr. Kire, in his address emphasised the importance of league games, which he added builds skills. Stating that many footballers in the state compete in tournaments with a couple of weeks practice behind them, he called for the players to keep practicing throughout the year. Pointing out the absence of Naga players in the national league, he held that “players playing only for the tournament’s sake” will not help in the long run. Zeikezou lift KFL trophy Champions of the Kohima Football League 2017 - Zeikezou were handed the trophy at the prize distribution ceremony on Saturday. Ziekezuo SC received a cash purse of Rs 80,000 sponsored by Dr.Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister for Roads & Bridges along with the running trophy sponsored by Mhasimhalie Mathew Yhome, Gen Secy NAYO While the runners up New Market FC walked home with Rs 50,000 sponsored by Dr.Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Minister for Roads & Bridges along with the medals and certificates. 1) Kohima Football League 2017 (Individual Prizes):-
a) Best Goalkeeper - Medophrezo Kezieo (1) of Khriekesa FC, Rs.3000, Trophy & Certificate. (Cash sponsored by Rokovi Keditsu. b) Best Defender - Kevizapu Lhoungu (4) of Ziekezou SC, Rs.3000, Trophy & Certificate. (Cash Prize sponsored by Rokovi Keditsu) C) Best Midfielder - Nyithong Magh (10) of Power Comm FC. Rs.3000, Trophy & Certificate. (Cash Prize Sponsored by Rokovi Keditsu) d) Highest Goal Scorer - Chiziisii Nyusou (9) of New Market FC, Rs.3000, Trophy & Certificate. (Cash Prize Sponsored by Rokovi Keditsu) e) Player of the Tournament - Kajiikho Jonathan Koso (10) of United 16 FC, Rs.5000, Trophy & Certificate. (Cash Prize Sponsored by Southern Boogies, Jakhama, Kohima.) f) Best Coach - Zakietuolie Khrodi of Ziekezou SC. RS.3000, Trophy & Certificate. (Cash Prize Sponsored by William Koso, Technical Head KTC) g) Best Fans Club - New Market FC, Rs.5000 & Certificate. (Cash Prize Sponsored by Rokovi Keditsu) h) Best Discipline Team - Nagabazar FC. Rs.5000 & Certificate. (Cash Prize Sponsored by Rokovi Keditsu).
