Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy after defeating Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) 2–1 in the first quarterfinal match played at IG Stadium, Kohima, on Friday.
The highly anticipated clash lived up to expectations as both teams displayed attacking intent from the start. CVYO seized the early momentum, with Robinson (jersey no. 99) opening the account in the 11th minute. Maintaining their pressure, T. Zimik (19) doubled the lead for the Chedema side in the 28th minute, giving them a comfortable 2–0 advantage before the half-hour mark.
TKS responded with determination and reduced the deficit through Rungsing Muinao (9), who netted in the 34th minute to make it 2–1 in the first half. Despite several attempts in the second half, TKS could not find the equaliser as CVYO’s defence, led by a resolute midfield line, stood strong to protect their lead until the final whistle.
The thrilling contest saw Benjamin of CVYO earn the Player of the Match award. He received the honour from Vizokho Zashümo, Tribunal member of the Angami Students’ Union and former president of ASU. The match was graced by B. Henok Buchem (NCS), Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, who served as the Match Patron.
Road to the Quarterfinals
Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) entered the quarterfinals in exceptional form. With attacking prowess and solid defence, they scored 20 goals and conceded only one in their four matches leading to the last eight:
CVYO vs Amigos FC Tesophenyu: 7–0
CVYO vs Kidima Farmers United: 2–0
CVYO vs United Brothers FC: 7–1
CVYO vs Rever Gangtok SC: 4–0
The Chedema–TKS quarterfinal was billed as a historic showdown, carrying echoes of past encounters. In the 2024 quarterfinals, Chedema Circle FC defeated Tangkhul 2–0, underlining the strength of the Chedema footballing tradition. In 2014, Tangkhul had edged past Chedema Village Students’ Union 3–1, showing how fiercely contested their clashes have always been.
With this backdrop, the October 10 match added another chapter to the rivalry. CVYO’s 2–1 victory allows them to progress to the semi-finals, keeping their championship hopes alive. They will face either Sechu Zubza or Red Scars FC on October 15.