With nothing to lose, Dimapur’s more composed squad went all out in its final match against Tseminyu. City boys Dimapur, the Dr. T Ao 2022 champions, did not waste any time in breaking the ice in the 7th minute with Surhusol easily passing goal tender Tseinsen Kath. Dimapur’s maestro centre back Toka secured a comfortable lead for the city boys with a spectacular header just three minutes after grabbing the lead.
At the 35th minute, Goal Scoring Machine Yhunshalo Kemp did not remain silent as he found a goal through a spot kick, reinforcing the team’s determination to be the Nagaland Olympic Champion.
During an intense first half, both sides were observed troubling each other’s goalies as both teams had outstanding offensive runs but the city boys were more composed as Tseminyu’s offensives frequently lacked strength and precision.
In an absolute stunner, super sub Calivin Kent scored two minutes into the second half after goalkeeper Homuka botched his attempt to punch the ball out, tying the contest 2-2. The battle in the game continued with Tseminyu coming in strong against the seasoned city boys with a 50-50 commanding possession of the field.
In the 66th minute, Dimapur’s maestro Aloumai helped the city boys retake the lead with a powerful strike on goal from a distance. Hyuzolü Semp countered the goal in the 70th minute, showing that Tseminyu were not afraid to pass up a chance to win the championship.
Surhusol from Dimapur, who had stepped up as the team’s main striker after the injury of marquee Kivi Zhimomi and the suspension of marquee Ratobe N Poireng during the previous match, had other plans.
Dimapur’s Surhusol did not let Coach K. Kamson down as he continued to cause the damage for Tseminyu with a brace just one minute after the Semp equalizer. At the end of the tense championship game, Dimapur prevailed, winning 4-3 to claim the title.
Bronze Medal Match:
Peren vs Phek (2-1)
Peren grabbed the lead in the fifth minute of the game when Kenumdi Siaru took an easy shot into the net as Phek goalie Lhiwete Koza got befuddled by the surge of players within the box.
In the 23rd minute, Peren’s box-to-box player Khiuwangbo Kaurinta successfully took on Phek’s goaltender in a one-on-one encounter. Phek’s Rhitso Mero struck net from within the box in the 30th minute in an attempt to narrow the deficit but was called offside.
As the game went towards halftime with a scoreline of 2-0, both teams exhibited significant attacking prowess with Phek’s Johnny Ritse and Rhitso Mero and Peren’s Winamthu Ringdi, Zumzum Punyu, and Siaru having decent shots at goal. However, Phek’s defence displayed some lack of composure and coordination.
Phek, a master of comebacks, squeezed one past the goalie in the 45th minute when super sub Metshetsho Ngachu scored off a rebound. However, luck was not on the Phek side as the fog-filled IG stadium was dominated by the men in blue for an extended amount of time, preventing additional offences from the Phek side and closing the third place playoff with a 2 -1 victory for Peren.
The match also witnessed the retirement of Phek’s veteran Goalie Lhiwete Koza and maestro striker Rhitso Mero.