Despite a resounding 11-0 victory over Andaman & Nicobar in their final league match, Nagaland has been eliminated from the Junior Boys’ National Football Championship for the Dr BC Roy Trophy Tier 2. Manipur’s victory over Lakshadweep in their last match in Nagaon, Assam, on Monday sealed Nagaland’s fate.
Nagaland needed a substantial win over Andaman & Nicobar and a loss for Manipur against Lakshadweep to qualify for the next round. However, Manipur defeated Lakshadweep 6-0, topping Group A and securing their place in the semi-finals. Nagaland finished second in Group A behind Manipur, having won two matches and drawn two, ending with eight points. Manipur won three matches and drew one against Nagaland to progress further.
Although Nagaland was unbeaten, two draws in the league matches meant they could not advance in the tournament.
During the match, Nahpan scored five goals at the 9th, 43rd, 50th, 75th, and 90th minutes, becoming the leading scorer of the tournament with 10 goals. Thangginhao Singson scored twice (45+1′, 68′), while Moamanen (10′), Neihelie Mepfhuo (18′), Hokhovi Rhetso (30′), and Joseph Lorido Janger (62′) each netted once.
In other results, Manipur defeated Lakshadweep 6-0 to top Group A, while in Group C, Arunachal Pradesh beat Sikkim 3-0 to secure their place in the semi-finals. Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, having topped their respective groups, will face each other on August 9. Only the group toppers for Tier 2 progress to the semi-finals.
“Hard luck for our state” – Coach Thopi
Speaking to MT, Coach Khwetelhi Thopi said, “It was hard luck for our state team as we could not proceed to the semi-finals despite dominating every match.” He added, “Our boys outperformed formidable teams like Haryana and Manipur. Based on our performance, we deserved to be in the final round, but luck was not on our side.” Thopi continued, “Our boys played exceptional football. They are the future of our state’s football. We need to provide them with more training and exposure. Nagaland football should focus more on grassroots programs. The more we invest in grassroots development, the more quality players we can produce.”
Assistant coach Kechi noted, “Throughout the tournament, every match highlighted the importance of grassroots football. We matched other teams in terms of performance, but the lack of basic grassroots football technically and tactically let us down.”
A total of 19 players, along with four officials, represented the state at the national tournament. The officials included team manager Azho Sophie, coach Khwetelhi Thopi, assistant coach Kechi, and physio Zakie Seletsu.
The players were Hahao Chonloi, Khosayi Chakhesang, Manpa Konyak, Thegovizo Medoze, Viselie Vasa, Hokhovi Rhetso, Ketouselie Yhome, Seminlun Lhangal, Thangginhao Singson, Moamanen, Joseph Lokido Janger, Neihelie Mephfu-O, Menolhusie Rino, Nahpan, Atsibu Medoze, Yinpei KN Antehu, Kevibulie Kaimo, and Ayhunlo Chung.
Nahpan strikes gold
Fifteen-year-old Nahpan, a student at Greenwood School in Kuda Village, Dimapur, scored 10 goals at the Junior National Championship for the Dr BC Roy Trophy Tier-2. The Nagaland team played four matches, with Nahpan netting 10 outstanding goals for his team.
He is currently training at the Khelo India Centre at Greenwood School in Kuda Village, Dimapur, Nagaland. His role model is Cristiano Ronaldo.
This Junior National Tournament is Nahpan’s first major competition. He shared that he experienced the life of a true footballer throughout the coaching camp and learned the importance of being disciplined, dedicated, and determined.
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