Doyang earn 3 points; Komets, Zonipang share 1 point each

Much hyped Nagaland Premier League (NPL) kicked off to a rousing start Saturday, being played simultaneously in three venues –– Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung, with 10 NPL clubs participating in the state’s premier football event.

In Kohima, Doyang secured three points, while Kohima Komets and Zonipang shared one point each in the first round of the Nagaland Premier League (NPL).  Doyang piped out Life Sports by a solitary first half strike goal in the first match Saturday, played at local ground, Kohima.

Petrong’s long ranger ball shot from a distance of 20 meters in the dying seconds of the first half helped Doyang win and get three points over Life Sports.

Life Sports took control of the proceeding though failed to hit the target.
In the 39th minute Life Sports real chance came as Vikuzo Zhotso low pass ball to Johny Kamrang by Doyang defender and Captain Aben to deflect the ball for a corner kick.

Ten minutes from long whistle Life Sports’s Vikuzo Zhotso shot was saved by diving keeper Rencham (Doyang).
Kohima Komets and Zonipang shared a point each, as the match ended in 1-1 draw in the second match. Zonipang got off to a perfect start as Lanuteka fired home the first goal in the 2nd minute. 

Kohima Komets squandered few chances as the duo of Mhasilie Krose and Kobu Kiwe was off target on three occasions – in the 20th, 30th and 40th minutes, when the pass ball from Kobu was missed by striker Mhasilie on all occasions.

In the second half, in the 46th minute Mhasilie netted the equalizer goal for Kohima Komets through a powerful half volley ball shot after a got a nick from Kobou.

Zonapang could have notched the win in the 52nd minute as the shot of Lanuteka was brilliantly saved by Ravoleto goal keeper (Kohima Komets).

Earlier, before the start of the match, Nagaland Veteran Football Association (NVFA) president K. Kire accompanied by NFA president P. Atuo Mezhur; NPL match commissioner Lhouliebei-o Khezhie and NPL technical director Roko Angami were introduced to the referees and the playing teams.

Naga Tornadoes beat New Market FC 3-0


In Dimapur, Naga Tornadoes Zunheboto defeated New Market Football Club by 3-0 played at DDSC stadium Saturday.
All the three goals were scored by Akum, Kivi and Anato in the second half of the match.

Akum, who came in as substitute in the second half opened the scoring in the 63rd minute. Then in the 73rd Kivi doubled the score line through a penalty and in the injury added time Anato scored the third goal.

The match witnessed a low turn out, but both teams displayed wonderful football till the last whistle.  Earlier, Naga Tornadoes dominated the first session of the match displaying brilliant tactics but ended in poor finished.

Kivi and Rhitsho Mero missed a number of opportunities inside the first 15 minutes.
Rhitsho should have given his side the lead in the 7th minute but his shot was brilliantly saved by New Market custodian. New Market custodian also had a brilliant day with the gloves. Though his team lost he displayed a brilliant keeping.

Wopenthung of New Market and Thathang of Tornadoes were awarded yellow cards for foul play. In the second session, New Market boys piled pressure on the rival defenders by applying different tactics, which saw equal domination from both sides. But Akum’s 63rd minute strike silenced New Market’s ignition.

Kivi who had missed on number of opportunities in the first session was rewarded when he converted a penalty after New Market defender committed foul inside the danger area. In the added injury of two minutes, Anato sealed the convincing victory for Tornadoes.

Naga Tornadoes next match is against Kohima Comets on March 17 at DDSC Stadium, Dimapur.
In Mokokchung Barak Flamingoz FC won against Dynamic FC 4-0 and Sangpang FC lost to Dimapur United 0-1.