Kohima: In a high-stakes quarter-final match of the 24th NSF Memorial Trophy on October 1 at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) faced Circle FC Chedema. TKS exited the tournament following a hard-fought defeat with a scoreline of 0-2.
The match kicked off at 5:00 PM IST, with both teams employing aggressive tactics. Circle FC took an early lead in the 10th minute with a stunning goal by Daniel. As the game progressed, tensions rose, and both teams created scoring opportunities. The midfield battle was intense, and both sides made critical plays. The match also stood out for the vibrant atmosphere, with fans from both teams energizing the stadium.
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In the second half, TKS gained momentum, applying pressure and creating chances. However, the game was halted in the 65th minute due to a floodlight malfunction. The Organizing Committee, Angami Students’ Union, issued an official statement postponing the remaining 25 minutes of the match to 9:30 AM on October 2, apologizing for the inconvenience and requesting cooperation from the audience.
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The remaining minutes were played the next morning, with TKS pushing for an equalizer. However, in the 82nd minute, Joseph of Circle FC scored the decisive goal, securing their 2-0 victory and a spot in the semi-finals. Circle FC’s captain, Kekhrie Tsira, was named “Player of the Match.” Despite TKS’s strong defense and valiant efforts, Circle FC’s experience proved to be the deciding factor.
Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong holds a special place in the NSF Memorial Trophy’s history, having won the title in 1992 and 2002. As one of the oldest teams in the tournament, TKS showcased discipline and sportsmanship throughout, proudly playing under the motto “Goals for Peace.”
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