Kohima, 19 September (MTNews): On the second day of the ongoing NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy 2023 at IG Stadium Kohima, both Mima FC and Asüfü Football Academy emerged victorious in their respective matches.
In the first encounter, Mima FC secured a place in the knockout stage by defeating Youngster FC with a score of 2-1. Neitho-u Shunyü of Mima FC opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Following the halftime break, Akhrietuo of Youngster FC managed to level the score. However, in the 75th minute, Khriesamhalie Ngukha netted a goal, ensuring victory for Mima FC. Khriesamhalie Ngukha was honored as the Player of the Match.
In the second match, Asüfü Football Academy from Manipur delivered a stunning performance, overwhelming Samaritan FC with an incredible 11-0 victory. P Sorormi Tningsoang’s remarkable double hat-trick earned him the well-deserved title of Man of the Match.
With this impressive win, Asüfü Football Academy advances to the last 32 round, where they will face Sechü FC on September 23, 2023.
Gift Raikhan, former I-League Coach, takes charge of Asüfü Football Academy
Gift Raikhan, renowned for his past coaching tenure with the I-League team NEROCA FC, is currently in the state capital, Kohima coaching Asüfü Football Academy from Manipur, as they compete in the 23rd NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy 2023 at the iconic IG Stadium in Kohima.
This year, the Asüfü Football Academy appointedRaikhan as its head coach, emphasizing a grassroots approach to nurturing young talent. The team participating in the NSF Trophy predominantly comprises players aged 20 and below.
At 41 years of age, Raikhan brings a wealth of experience to the table. Hailing from Manipur, he is a retired Indian footballer who excelled in the position of a left-back. In recognition of his coaching abilities, Raikhan was honored with the I-League Coach of the Season award in the 2017-18 season, a testament to his leadership that propelled NEROCA to a remarkable second-place finish in their inaugural I-League season. Prior to returning to Manipur with NEROCA, he also successfully managed Aizawl FC and Gokulam Kerala.
Notably, Raikhan recently undertook the coaching responsibilities for Manipur State’s Santosh Trophy team, further solidifying his commitment to developing football talent in the region.
(With inputs from SportsLiveNagaland)