Defending champions Sechü Zubza FC kept their title defence alive after defeating former champions Red Scars FC 2–0 in a thrilling quarterfinal match at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, on Saturday evening.
Sechü Zubza Football Club (SZFC) entered the tournament directly from the pre-quarterfinal stage, where they faced Ward-19 in their opening match. The game ended in a goalless draw (0–0) after regular time, pushing both teams into a tense penalty shootout. SZFC held their composure to win 3–1, securing their place in the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinal against Red Scars, both sides displayed tactical discipline and resilience, with neither able to break the deadlock during regulation time. However, Lalminglu Vankal showed calm composure and clinical finishing, firing home the opener in the 90+16th minute. Thejasetuo Gwirie then doubled the lead in the 90+19th minute, sealing a dramatic victory for the defending champions.
Lalminglu Vankal was named Player of the Match for his crucial goal and received the award from the Match Patron, Anthony Ngullie (NCS), Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports.
With this hard-fought win, Sechü Zubza FC advance to the semifinals, where they will face Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CYO) on October 15.