Debutants Sechü Zubza FC overcame Asufü Football Academy in the final match 2-1 to lift the prestigious 24th NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy 2024 here at IG Stadium Kohima on Saturday. A goal from Thejasetuo Gwirie and K Awangbo Kaurintah helped debutants Sechü Zubza FC lift the trophy. Despite getting a red card in the injury time of the first half, Sechü Zubza managed to hold on the lead till the final whistle.
Playing in front of a packed stadium, Sechü Zubza, despite a shaky start, took the lead in the 4th minute. Zubza goalkeeper James Kithan’s long-range kick found Thejasetuo Gwirie, who latched onto the ball and scored from a tight angle to give Zubza the lead. With the goal, Zubza found some rhythm in the game, and Awangbo scored in the 19th minute with a stunning free kick to double the lead 2-0.
Asufü Football Academy couldn’t break through the defensive line but were given an opportunity when a Zubza defender was sent off for two yellow cards in the 47th minute during injury time.
The second half saw Zubza FC playing with 10 men, giving Asufü Football Academy a chance to fight back. It took them 13 minutes to score, as Suzülo Mao headed home in the 58th minute. Minutes later, they thought they had found the equalizer in the 65th minute, but the referee ruled it out for a handball.
In the 84th minute, Asufü Football Academy protested for a handball inside the area, but it was not given, as Sechü Zubza FC held on to their lead until the final whistle.
The debutants Sechü Zubza FC celebrated wildly winning the final match as luck didn’t favour Asufü FA despite their chances and had to be contented with the runner’s up.
The champion Sechü Zubza FC recieved a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh while the runner- up Asufü Football Academy received Rs 1.80 lakh.
Semi finalists Asufü Christian Institute and Circle FC Chedema got Rs. 40,000 each while quarter-finalists Red Scars FC, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Football4change, Michazou FC Rs 25, 000 each.
The Individual awards for best midfielder, Custodian, defender and top scorer recived Rs.10, 000 each while the Player of the Tournament got Rs 50,000.
Earlier, KG Kenye, Minister for Power & parliamentary Affairs attended the closing ceremony as the special guest.
Individual Prizes
Best Custodian:Thomas Sagolaem ofAsufü Christian Institute
Best Defender:Walkhom Arunkumar of Asufü Football Academy
Best Mid fielder:Mathanmi Ninshen of Asufü Football Academy
Top Scorer- i. P Sorormi Thinsang of Asufü Football Academy (6 goals)
ii. Thoungoumang Touthang of Deilai FC (6 goals)
iii. VS Thotkadhar Zimik of Circle FC Chedema (6 goals)
Player of the Tournament: Atlanson Kharmaw of Sechü Zubza FC