The 18th classic cup 2012 with the theme “football for health” began on Friday at Kohima local ground. Altogether 38 football teams from 5 districts of the state would be participating in the cup which would conclude on September 3.

Menokhol John, Commissioner & secretary land resources development dept. speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural programme said Classic Club’s theme “football for health” was appropriate with health being the main area of concern for any sport.

He congratulated and appreciated Classic Club for successfully conducting the football cup for the past 17 years.
He encouraged the players to exhibit their best skills and acknowledged the referees for their contribution in making the tournament enjoyable and successful.

Zakiekhotuo Kiso, president Classic Club in his welcome address thanked the chief guest for his support throughout the club’s various endeavors.

Thanking everyone, the president said the club has been able to organize the cup for last 17 years due to the constant support and encouragement from well wishers especially participating teams, game officials, print and electronic media and the amazing audience.

Zakiekhotuo appealed to the participating teams to play in the true spirit of sportsmanship, and dream to excel in the tournaments even outside the state.

He also informed that entry was free for the differently-abled persons and also invited students to witness the match after class hours.   

In the first match, Nagaland police stunned Gideon FC with 3:0 goals. During the first 15 minutes after the tournament kicked off, the 2-teams were at loggerhead until the 20th minute when Avilie, striker of Nagaland police netted the first goal of the tournament.

Till the lemon break, Nagaland Police was leading with a solitary goal.Soon after the match resumed, Avilie went on to register his second goal of the tournament at the 46th minute, followed by a third goal in favour of Nagaland Police in the 48th minute from the boots of Imtiwapang (mid-fielder) leaving the match in favour of the Nagaland Police.

As Nagaland Police was leading by 3 goals, the opponent GFC was demoralized, thus leaving most of the ball possession to Nagaland Police throughout the second half.

During the last additional two minutes, GFC missed a chance to register their first saving goal when striker Yanger managed to break through the Nagaland Police defense line, but failed at the finishing point as he missed target and went outside from near left the post.

What was more disappointing for GFC was that the first ever Yellow Card of the tournament was awarded to its player Victor by the referee during the second half.

On Saturday’s match, Head Hunters will clash with the Friends club at 11:30am in the first match, Khuzama Youth org. and Nerhema junior FC will play at 1pm in the 2nd match, Yhome FC and Cakou United at the 3rd match at 2:30pm and Syrus FC vs Kohima Komets Academy at the 4th match schedule at 4pm.