The Kuki Football Academy, the organiser of the premier night football tournament in the state observed its 5th foundation day at D Phaihel village as the third-place match of its ongoing open night football tournament kicked off on Friday.
The foundation day observation was attended by Rev K Hangshing, Chairman Kangpokpi Town Churches Fellowship as Thanksgiving minister while Tonglen Khongsai, social worker, and other civil society organizations leaders also attended the function.
Cake cutting ceremony to commemorate the 5th foundation day was performed by Lamminthang Kipgen, President KFA in the presence of its founder Thangboi Kipgen and other dignitaries before Rev K Hangshing invoked a thanksgiving prayer.
The third-place match between Satlun Memorial Team (SMT) Haipi and Twilang Area Sporting Association(TASA) was kicked off after inspection of players by the dignitaries.
Having better fans cheering out loud surrounding the playground, SMT Haipi found the lead in the 27th minute as Lenboi brilliantly converted a penalty kick after he was recklessly tackled down by a TASA defender inside the penalty box.
TASA despite having multiple chances failed to break the ice but continued giving strong pressure to SMT Haipi creating high voltage performance by both the team especially during the second half.
When the tense of the match was at its peak, SMT Haipi added another goal through a brilliant strike of Haolenngam in the 80th minute crumbling down the spirit and hope of TASA and comfortably won the match 2-0 to lift the third-place trophy in the final.
