Niuland edged out Zunheboto 2-1 in a fiercely contested Match 20 of the ongoing inter-district football championship, keeping their qualification hopes alive in Group A.
Niuland struck first in the 29th minute when Apeto capitalized on a rebound after the Zunheboto goalie initially block his penalty kick to give his side the lead. Just one minute after the break, Kakhevi doubled the advantage with a clinical finish, giving Niuland a strong 2-0 cushion.
Zunheboto responded with renewed urgency, mounting sustained pressure on the Niuland defense. Their efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute when Tohika fired in a goal to reduce the deficit. However, despite pushing forward relentlessly in the closing stages, Zunheboto were unable to break through a disciplined and resolute Niuland backline.
The match saw cautions issued to Nikaho of Niuland in the 9th minute and Puloketo of Zunheboto in the 67th minute.
With this result, Niuland move to 6 points from three matches, keeping them in the mix for a place in the knockout stage. Zunheboto, meanwhile, will need a strong finish in their remaining group fixture against Mon on August 8 and hope for favourable results in the other matches of Group A to fancy their chances of progressing to the next round alive.
