Mao Students Union and Dimapur Chaos secured their spots in the pre-quarterfinal stage with convincing wins in their respective matches of the ongoing 25th edition of the NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy at IG Stadium Kohima on Saturday.
Mao Students Union defeated Phesama Students Union 5–1. Lohrü Kaisii scored twice in the 19th and 38th minutes to give MSU an early advantage. Ngararsing extended the lead in the 64th minute, followed by another strike from Athili in the 67th. Salam Swami Chandra sealed the emphatic win with a stoppage-time goal. Phesama Students Union managed to pull one back through Mezhiilhoulie Zashümo in the 71st minute.
For his outstanding performance, Lohrü Kaisii was adjudged Player of the Match, with the award presented by Mteisuding Heraang, President of the Naga Students’ Federation.
In Match No. 28, Dimapur Chaos edged past Football 4 Change 2–1. Gangchui was the hero, scoring in the 45th and 88th minutes. Football 4 Change had equalized in the 57th minute through Seiminthung, but their comeback was cut short by Gangchui’s late strike. He was named Player of the Match and received the award from Kethosituo Sekhose (NCS), Director of the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland.
With these results, Mao Students Union will face former champions New Market FC in the pre-quarterfinals on October 8, while Dimapur Chaos will take on debutants Nagaland United SC the same day.