Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT) booked their place in the semifinals of the ongoing 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy after outclassing Kuki United FC (KUFC) 3–1 in a thrilling fourth quarterfinal encounter played at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima.
Kuki United FC took an early lead when Seivanglen Kuki (11) found the back of the net in the 29th minute, giving his side the advantage. However, the joy was short-lived as ALT regrouped and fought back with determination.
Just before the halftime whistle, Tongsin Thumsol (7) equalised for ALT in the 45+3rd minute, restoring parity and shifting the momentum.
In the second half, Anal Lenruwl Tangpi displayed superior control and attacking flair. Winkle (11) gave ALT the lead in the 60th minute, followed closely by Kagaly (30), who successfully converted a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul inside the box.
Kuki United struggled to regain their rhythm after their key playmaker, Lunaldo Kuki, was substituted in the first half. The change proved costly, as the team failed to build meaningful attacks and was let down by a series of defensive lapses in the latter stages of the game.
With a composed performance and clinical finishing, ALT sealed their place in the semifinals, while KUFC bowed out despite a promising start.
Tongsin Thumsol (7) of Anal Lenruwl Tangpi was named Man of the Match. The award was presented by the Match Patron, Er. Sungti Amer.
Up next, Anal LT will face Nagaland United SC on October 16 in the second semifinal match.
