24th NSF MM Trophy: Asufü FA enters semi-final

Kohima, October 1: Asufü Football Academy today booked their semi-final berth in the ongoing 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy organized by Angami Students’ Union (ASU) at Indira Gandhi Stadium Kohima.

Playing a lopsided third quarter final match, Asufü Football Academy Manipur thrashed Michazou FC by 7-0.

Bijoy Moktan opened the floodgates in the 8th minute while P Sorormi Thinsang found a hat-trick with the second goal in 18th minute, fifth in 34th minute and the seventh in 87th minute. Suzülo Mao, Korouhanba Laishram, and Janjagin Kuki also scored a goal each in the 27th, 31st and 62nd minute respectively.

Mathanmi Ninshen of Asufü Football Academy was adjudged the man of the match, which was handed over by K Inazhe Phuleshe, Director of Rural Development as match patron. Dieze Sothu was the guest artist.

In a sad turn of events, the last quarter final match between Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) and Circle FC Chedema played under the floodlights had to be abandoned after playing for 65 minutes due to technical failure. Chedema was leading the match with a solitary goal.

The organizers informed that the remaining 25 minutes of the match would be played at 9:30 am on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the organizers regretted informing all the concerned teams, football lovers and well wishers of the tournament, that owing to the technical failure of the floodlights, the night matches scheduled for the semi-final on October 2 and 3 has been rescheduled to 2 pm.

The organizers said that there have been irregularities of the generators in supplying power to the floodlights, which has been under the notice of the Department of Youth Resources & Sports and the IG Stadium Administration.

However, the negligence from the concerned authority has caused immeasurable inconveniences to the organizers, teams and the fans, they said.

While the tournament has been successful over the years for the love and cooperation from the football teams, fans and well wishers, organizing committee convenor Vikhozo Zashümo and ASU president Khriesamhalie David Mere requested all to kindly comprehend the matter and continue supporting the tournament by their presence and prayers.

The organizing committee would also further issue updates for the Grand Finale scheduled for October 5, they said while tendering an apology.

(Page News Service)