In a thrilling semifinal match on Saturday, debutant Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team and the contender Kuki Football Academy emerged winners and will lock horns for the champion’s trophy of the 4th Thadou Trophy state-level open football tournament next week.
In the first semi final match played at Saparmeina public ground, Dr. Nehginpao Memorial Team had a narrow 1-0 win over TSA Sadar Hills and sailed through to the final. Seiminthang scored the important winning goal for Dr. Nehginpao Memorial Team in the 42nd minute.
In the second semifinal match, the Kuki Football Academy trounced the Legends 4-2 to set the final stage with Dr Nehginpao Memorial Team.
Songpu Singsit demolished the Legends side with his third hattrick of the tournament, scoring in the 37th, 76th, and 81st minutes after Lenminlal's early 6th-minute strike while Worchuipei Kashung (5th), and Haoneo (8th) scored for the Legends side.
Of the 29 teams in the tournament, Dr. Nehginpao Memorial Team from pool A and the Legends from pool G emerged finalists.