Kuki United and Anal Lenruwl Tangpi are the last teams to seal their quarterfinal berths in the ongoing 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy, played at IG Stadium, Kohima, on Wednesday.
In the 7th pre-quarterfinal, Kuki United overpowered Delhi Police with a 2–0 scoreline. Star striker Lunaldo Kuki, a fan favourite in the tournament, scored twice in the 23rd and 48th minutes to secure the win. He received the Player of the Match award for the second time, presented by Neisavotuo Whuorie, Vice President of the Angami Sports Association (ASA).
Later in the evening, the 8th pre-quarterfinal saw Anal Lenruwl Tangpi SC deliver a clinical performance, defeating former champions Nagaland Police 3–0. The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Kagaly scored in the 45+3rd minute. Winkle doubled the lead in the 61st minute before Changkingam sealed the victory with a 90th-minute strike. The match was patronised by Vimhalie Pienyü, Councillor of Kohima Municipal Council, who presented the Player of the Match award to Winkle.
With these results, Kuki United FC will face Anal Lenruwl Tangpi SC in a highly anticipated quarterfinal clash on October 14.