An exciting quarter-final match between Sports Society Soyim and Longpa Lomuden FC at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Tuesday saw an assortment of youthful players showcase their abilities, adding fervor to the championships. However, SSS defense made a critical error in the 11th minute that would go on to cost them heavily as they scored an own goal when Longpa Lomuden’s Imtimendang attempted a shot on goal from inside the D-Box which was poorly cleared and ended up inside the net from the foot of SSS’s Sharizungba. Longpa Lomuden took control of the game in the first half, pressing the Sports Society Soyim hard. However, Sports Society Soyim controlled the game in the second half, trouncing the Longpa defense on multiple occasions but a shot on target to find the equalizer or a win remained elusive as the SSS side lacked finishing ability. The match ended 1-0 in favour of Longpa Lomuden FC.
Longpa Lomuden FC coach Imna’s touchline antics chanting, “Last Minute Sacrifice, Come on!!!” did not go unnoticed as the debutant side went on to win the match in style, much to the astonishment of the spectators.
Temjentoshi, who replaced first-choice goalie Lanusungkum after he was benched for conceding double yellows in the previous matches, did not let the team down as he made multiple saves keeping a clean sheet for the team.
Longpa Lomuden FC became the first team to advance to the semifinals, where they will meet the winner of the Q2 match on Wednesday between Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club and Sparious FC.
The first quarter final match was played with Er. Hekaito Assumi, Executive Engineer, Power (Transmission), Mokokchung, Nagaland as the Chief Match Patron.