01.12.2011: XAVIER RUTSA :: Mizoram Youth Team lifted the prestigious Royal Gold Cup, 2011 tournament which concluded on Thursday at the Kohima local ground. In the grand final Mizoram Youth Team shocked defending champions TT FC Aizawl by a solitary first half goal.Ramengmawia netted the match winner for Mizoram Youth team in the 28th minute of the match which later turns out to be the winning goal.

The final match witnessed a tough competition between the equally strong opposing finalist teams. After the lemon break, both the team returns to the field with equal vigor. The TT FC Aizawl launch attack till the final whistle blows but failed to find an equalizer and were forced to concede to defeat.

The best golden scoring chances for TT FC came in the dying second of the match as the shot of B.Malswmzuala within a yard inside D.Box was deflected by the custodian MS Dewangilna, goal just before the referee gave the final whistle blow.

The winning Mizoram Youth team walks away richer by Rs.1.5 lakh cash prize while the runners up TT FC Aizawl had to be contended with Rs.75, 000/- cash prize.The trophy, cash prizes, certificates and mementos were later handed over to the winning teams by T.R. Zeliang, Minister for Planning, Coordination, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry as guest of honour in the presence of hosts of legislator colleagues...... CLICK TOURNAMENT PAGE

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ROYAL GOLD CUP - 2011, NAGALAND : All Mizo affairs in 20th Royal GOld Cup final.

30.11.2011 : XAVIER RUTSA : Defending Champion TTFC Mizoram start as favourate as they take on Mizoram Youth Team in the grand finals of the 20th Royal Gold Cup, to be played on Thursday (December 1) at Kohima Local ground. The final match will kick-start at 12. 30 pm on Thursday, with TR Zeliang , Minister for Planning and Co-ordination as the guest of honour.

This is the first time in the history of Royal Gold Cup that two outside state teams from same state are meeting in the final. TTFC could become the first time in six years to win the back to back trophy. The last time it happened was in 2005 when the Nagaland Police won back to back trophy in 2004 and 2005.

TTFC Mizoram will be playing in final for straight second time, while Mizoram Youth Team will be making their maiden appreance for the title clash. The formidable combination of Lalthanpuia B. Malsawmgzuala ,Zathangsanga and captain David R. Lalarinmuana could be the decider role, if the TTFC are to annex the trophy two times in a row. So far TTFC has netted six goals and yet to concede a goal and the Mizoram Youth Team blasted seven goals and conceded two goals.

Mizoram Youth Team began their campaign in style hammering HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles 5-1 in the pre-quarter-finals, it stunned last year's runner-up and seven times champion Nagaland Police by a solitary goal in the quarter-finals and in the semi-finals Mizoram Youth Team edged out Peren District Football Association 4-3 in penalty shoot out.

Earlier the match ended in 1-1 till the full ninety minutes and even in the thirty minutes extra time. The key players for young Mizo team in the front line are Lalruatfela, Lalrindika and Edenthara, while MS Dewangilna, goal keeper must perform well, if they Mizoram Youth are to win the title.

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ROYAL GOLD CUP - 2011, NAGALAND : Mizoram Youth Team in finals.

29.11.2011 : XAVIER RUTSA, NAGALAND : Mizoram Youth Team entered into the finals at the ongoing 20th Royal Gold, played at local ground, Kohima.

In the second semi-final, Mizoram Youth Team edged out Peren District Football Association 4-3 in penalty shoot out. Earlier the match ended in 1-1 till the full ninety minutes and even in the thirty minutes extra time.

Asian strike the first goal for Peren District Football Association in the 16th minute , after the direct shot Keneisedielie taken was saved by goal keeper Dawngliana of Mizoram Youth Team, when Asian seize the opportunity to net the ball into goal.

In the 35th minute Mizoram Youth Team nearly found the equalizer after a defence lapses from the home team however Lalnghinglova strike failed to found target and hit the bar and came back to play but his second shot did not from the goal mouth.

In the second half, the trio combination of Salu, Kethozhapu and Keneisedelie from Peren District Football Association , in the 51st and 53rd minutes could have paid dividend and increase the margin but it failed to beat the visiting team goal keeper Dawngliana on both occasion.

A minute later, in the 54th minute, Khuanjang of Peren District Football Association intercepted Mizoram Youth Team front-man Ramengmawia just outside the danger zone, with the match official giving them a direct free kick. In the process Mizoram Youth Team restored parity through Lalnghinglova direct free kick, which hit the cross bar to roll into goal level 1-1.

Seven minutes from full time, referee was yellow card to Kethozhapu of Peren District Football Association for unsporting behaviour and four minute later in the 87th minute the visiting team nearly found the match winner as Ramengmawia long range pass almost found the net but Peisuidibe handle the situation to push the ball for a corner.

In the 30 minutes extra time, another yellow card was awarded to home tem player Khuanjang in the 112th minute and the match ended in 1-1 draw.

In the penalty shout-out Mizoram Youth Team scored through Remengmawia, Lalnghinglova, Lalrinchhana and V. Lalchhuanawma, while Peren District Football Association booted home through the boots of Keneisedelie, Khuanjang and Tongpang.

On December 1, it would be an Mizo affairs in the final with defending champion TTFC, Mizoram taking on Mizoram Youth Team in the grand final.

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ROYAL GOLD CUP - 2011, NAGALAND : TTFC in finals.

29.11.2011:XAVIER RUTSA : NAGALAND : TTFC Aizawl, Mizoram blanked home team Life Sports Football Club (LSFC) Kohima, Nagaland 5-0 to stormed into the final of the 20th Royal Gold Cup Playing the first semi-final match at Kohima Local Ground, TTFC Aizawl dominated the match and in the 15th minute scored through Lalthanpuia making a solo effort from the centre managed to surpass the defenders his left shot from the box beat custodian Vekuto to pierce into the second post.

The defending champs buoyed with the first goal went ahead to score their second lead as a left foot first ball shot from striker B. Malsawmzuala (15) off Albert pass found the nets in the 22nd minute. Within the next minute they confirmed their final berth with the third goal as Lalthanpuia flintier from the 20 yard box line went behind Vekuto to enter into the nets, which was also his second goal of the match.

Local match referee Meyieto was compelled to penalize a yellow card against LSFC Kohima player Chumbenthung Kikon for unsporting behavior in the 40th minute. TTFC mid-fielder Zothansanga found the fourth goal with his long range right foot shot from almost 30 yards piercing into the nets in the 44th minute winding by the first half with a 4-0 lead.

In the 51st minute TTFC captain David R. Lalrinmuana made no mistake to direct the ball on the left side of the post to enter into the nets deflecting the crossbar surpass the rival wall and also the custodian for the fifth goal of the match. However, with next few seconds he was also marked with yellow card for unsporting behavior.

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20th ROYAL GOLD CUP, NAGALAND : Peren DFA enters semi-final ...

26.11.2011: XAVIER RUTSA : Peren District Football Association (DFA) entered into the semi-final of the ongoing Royal Gold Cup soccer tourney at Kohima Local Ground.

Peren DFA knocked Kankre FC Mumbai by 3-1 in the tie-breaker as the teams failed to break the dead-lock of a goalless draw during the 120 minutes play, which include 90 minutes scheduled time and 30 minutes extra time.

Kankre FC made an excellent start and attacked the rival camp within the first few seconds. Failure on the part of Peren DFA mid-fielder Keneisedelie to clear the ball from the danger zone resulted in Jugeswor Singh making a nice ball forward for Pablo Rodriguez but home custodian Peisuidibe was alert enough to notice the danger and moved ahead to neatly collect the ball. In the 12th minute, Peren DFA defender Tongpang moving ahead made a sudden long ranger attempt but was collected safely by rival goally Deepak Kamble.

Kankre FC made their second attempt in the 19th minute but Captain Francisco Dominic long ranger went out of play barely missing the second post. Peren DFA forward Asian managed to cut through the rival defence and make the ball but Khuanjang failed to materialize it in the 25th minute. In an exiting moment at the 40th minute of play, Peren DFA right winger Abuan gave an excellent centre cross which struck well by Khuanjang but the ball just missed the mark.

In the one minute additional time of the first half, Peren DFA left out player Niamkeilung long pass into the rival box slide pass head of lanky defender Cyrus Jal while captain Kethozhapu getting hold of the ball took a left foot shot from the danger zone only to be safely held by custodian Deepak and ending the first half in a goalless draw.

After the lemon break, a misjudge call for an offside by Kankre defenders provided a golden opportunity for the home team to score the lead as captain Kethozhapu made the ball for Asian but his shot wide off mark from the six yard area in the 56th minute. Kankre FC custodian Deepak blocked a penalty spot kick taken by Khuanjang in the 78th minute. Referee awarded the penalty spot kick because of a handball inside the box by defender, nonetheless, Khuanjang shot into the right side was saved by diving Deepak while the rebound taken by Asian hit the second post disappointing the home team.

Moving into the 30 minutes extra time, Peren DFA made the first attempt in the 96th minute but substitute player Salu shot was not strong enough to beat the custodian. Two minutes later, Lemrai took a first ball flintier but custodian Deepak made a diving save to hold his angle shot. In the 99th minute Taha Kachwala made a desperate attempt to score the lead but Peren custodian managed to hold him back. The 100th minute could have brought home the winning score for Peren DFA but Salu failed to strike even he was alone with the ball in the rival box and custodian Deepak came in clear the ball.

Again in a disappointing moment in the 113th minute his shot from the right out hit the crossbar which was knocked for a corner by defender Rehman Cardox and the full 120 minutes play ended in a frustrating goalless draw. Nonetheless, in the tie breaker Keneisedelie, Lemrai and Tongpang scored while Khuanjang and Linus missed for Peren DFA while only Jugeswor Singh scored while J. Merwin, Karmeet Singh and Pablo Rodriguez missed for Kankre FC Mumbai.

Earlier, match referee Ramakanta Baishya penalized Peren DFA forward Khuanjang and Kankre FC captain Francisco Dominic with a yellow card each for unsporting behavior in 18th and 43rd minute of play.

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Royal Gold Cup, Nagaland : DAY 9 :TTFC Mizoram enters semi-final..

25.11.2011 : XAVIER RUTSA : Following walk out by AIM Football Club Imphal from the field of the third quarter final match, TTFC Aizawl, Mizoram moved into the semi-final of the ongoing Royal Gold Cup soccer tourney in Kohima local ground.

Playing the third quarter final match, TTFC dominated the game and made numerous attacks into the rival zone starting and scored the lead goal in the 14th minute through Lalnuntluanga (22) pushing into the nets a weak clearance from rival custodian Thoi. AIM FC failed to make any impact against the rival defence line but made at least two attempts were also neatly blocked by TTFC custodian Danny Lalrohlua (1).

In the 51st minute AIM FC got a golden chance of equalizing the score as Naothon cut through the defence line of TTFC and came face to face with Danny but his shot went over the crossbar while the controversy of the equalizer started in the 57th minute.

Meanwhile, the tournament organizing committee convener Khupi Natso in a press statement said that during the proceedings of the match, the AIM FC Imphal refused to accept the decision of the referee in the 57th minute of the game and walked out of the field in spite of repeated request made by the referee, match officials and the organizing committee. The match was held up for 20 minutes in pursuance of the said team. Later, AIM FC Imphal left the field and consequently the referee declared TT FC Aizawl Mizoram as winner.

He said that on scrutiny of the report submitted by the Referee and the Match Commissioner and as per the AIFF Article-XIII clause seven and Article-XII Clause four, the organizing committee has declared TT FC Aizawl Mizoram as winner and qualified for semi-final as declared by the match referee.

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Royal Gold Cup, Nagaland : DAY 8 : Mizoram Youth Team in semi-final..

24.11.2011: XAVIER RUTSA: Mizoram Youth Team (MYT) moved into semi-finals at the ongoing 20th Royal Gold Cup. A heading goal from Edenthara in the 99th minute of the game help the Mizoram Youth Team to edged out the last years runner-up and seven times champion Nagaland Police by a solitary goal.

Both teams ended in goal-less draw in the stipulated ninety minutes and were stretch to extra time of thirty minute to decide the winner. Lucky did not favoured Nagaland Police as two of their shots hit the cross in the first match. In the 6th minute the shot of Ninja Kabui hit the cross bar and again in the 11th minute, the shot of Tia Sunep also hit the bar.

Mizoram Youth Team also scoring chance in the 9th minute when Lalruatfela messed up the scoring possibility when he failed to tapped the ball with the Nagaland Police custodian Mezhilhoukho collecting the ball well in time. Seven minutes from first half, in the 38th minute the combination Lalruatfela and Lalrindika, saw Lalrindika shot was blocked by diving keeper of Nagaland Police Mezhilhoukho for a corner kick.

After the lemon break, Mizoram Youth team nearly stormed into lead in the 46th minute, but Larammuanpui lobbed the ball just over the bar. A minute later Nagaland POlcei also missed a scoring opportunity as the long range cross ball by Joseph to Yapang was saved by MS Dewangilna, goal keeper of Mizoram Youth team.

However the best scoring opportunity for Mizoram Youth team came in the 81st minute as the Nagaland Police failed an off trap, which saw the keeper Mezhulhoukho also rushing out his position but the Mizo striker Lalruatfela floundering his scoring shot wide out of target.

Three yellow cards were shown in the match, two to Nagaland Police players Visakholie Medoze and Yanger in the 89th and 103rd minutes respectively and Larindika (Mizoram Youth Team) in the 88th minute. The match patron was KV Pusa, MLA and former President NPCC. Mizoram Youth Team will now meet of Kenkre Football Club, Mumbai or Peren District Football Association (PDFA) in the second semi-final on November 29.

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Royal Gold Cup, Nagaland 2011, DAY - 7 :Life Sports FC in semi-final beat Denzong Boys..

Players of Life Sports FC (Blue) & Denzong Boys (Orange), referees and organizers posing lens with K. Kire , DGP Nagaland Police match patron for the 1st QF match.

23.11.2011: XAVIER RUTSA : Life Sports Football Club booked a berth in the semi-finals at the ongoing 20th Royal Gold Cup when they thrashed Denzong Boys of Sikkim 4-0 in the first quarter-finals on Wednesday, played at local ground, Kohima in 20th Royal gold Cup Football Tournament.

Life Sports Football Club will be entering into semi-finals for the first time, will now clash with the winner of AIM Imphal or defending champions TTFC Aizawal in the last four stages.

After lull and boring first half which ended in a goal-less draw with both teams spent of most in dribbling the ball and could not create any scoring chances. In the first half, in the 7th minute the referee awarded a yellow card to Movin of Denzong Boys for fouling Kobou Kiwe of Life Sports FC.

Life Sports FC took the complete dominance in the second half by netting four goals in span of thirty two minutes. Thangmelin scored two goals, while Vikuzo Zhotso and Khwetelhi Thopi accounted for one goal each. Denzong Boys players have blamed themselves for poor defending as the first two goals were conceded on defense lapses.

Life Sports FC opened the account in the 58th minute from Thangtinlen when the trickle the Denzong Boys players and to beat the advancing keeper Zoy Dutta to pushed home the first goal. Eleven minutes later in the 69th minute on a counter attack Life Sports FC struck in similar fashion with Thangtinlen netting the second goal.

After the goal was scorer, the Denzong Boys was asked to start the play; however with an unsporting shown by Denzong Boys players, the referee flashed the second yellow card of the match to Amir Lama.

Towards the closing stages of the match Life Sports FC grounded home two quick goals through Vikuzo Zhotso, 3rd goal in the 88th minute and Khwetelhi Thopi in the 90th minute, the fourth goal, to totally hammer the visiting Sikkim team. In the second half Denzong Boys got two scoring opportunity in the 56th minute when the lower pile-diver shot of Stanely just missed the target by few inches to roll out of play and again in the 82nd minute the long range a shot from around 30 yards taken by Lakpa Bhutia deflected the players and finally saved by Vekuto Puro, custodian of Life Sports FC.

Denzong Boys played the entire match with the foreign recruits in their side, however yielded "No result". Last year too they were directly seeded in the quarter-finals but bowed out losing their match.

Nov 24 - 1.00 pm (2nd QF) - Nagaland Police vs Mizoram Youth team

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20th Royal Gold Cup, Nagaland 2011, Day - 6 : Asian's goal put PDFA in quarter-finals..

22.11.2010 : XAVIER RUTSA : Asian's all important goal strike in the 86th minute helped Peren District Football Association (PDFA) to moved into their quarter-finals at the ongoing 20th Royal Gold Cup.

In the last pre-quarter-finals match Peren District Football Association (PDFA) piped out NEROCA, Imphal by a solitary goal played at local ground Kohima.

The match between PDFA and NEROCA seems heading for a tie-breaker to decide the winner. However in 86th minute lady luck favoured the PDFA as midfielder Khaunjang's solo ball effort dribble passed the NEROCA midfielders and defenders to sent a well calculated passed inside the danger zone of NERCOA, where in unmarked Asian sneaked the opportunity to pushed the ball into net beating M.Raj, goal keeper of NERCOA no chance to saved it.

In the injury added NEROCA got an option to score a goal, but it was again PDFA's player Khaunjang who saved the ball shot of Mahesh Rai for a corner kick. Earlier in the very start of the match in the 30th second of the match, the trio combine of Vandona, Satish and Chakravorti nearly saw the NEROCA going ahead, but it was the diving custodian of PDFA Peisuidibe who saved the right footer shot of Chakravorti.

Later in the 47th minute, NEROCA's M. Ashok shot was blocked PDFA keeper Peisuidibe, however in the process the NEROCA failed to capitalize as Mahesh Rai slotted the ball wide out of play. PDFA also got two scoring chances in the midway of second from captain Kethozhapu in the 52nd and 56th minutes but only failed to beat the NERCOA keeper M. Raj. NEROCA's striker M. Sushil messed up a scoring chance in the 84th minute by failing his shot at the last moment, while in the 73rd minute Chakravorti was cautioned with yellow card for unsporting behaviour by the referee.

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20th Royal Gold Cup 2011-Nagaland: Day-5: AIM in last eight stages

21.11.2011 : XAVIER RUTSA, Nagaland : AIM FC Imphal on Monday registered an easy win at the ongoing 20th Royal Gold Cup in the 3rd Pre-Quarter-finals, played at local ground, Kohima AIM FC Imphal thrashed Betul Oil, Madhya Pradesh 4-0. AIM Imphal opened the scoring in the 17th minute through a heading goal from S. Herojit, after their captain Manitombi send in the corner kick shot.

Earlier in the 5th minute AIM could have taken however it was denied by Betul's defender Likhumpi Sangtam on the goal line, after the ball shot of S. Herojit beat the Keeper M Deban Singh.

Gouro netted the 2nd goal in the 50th minute for AIM Imphal when the long ranger shot of fumbled by Betul Oil goal keeper M. Deban Singh and the ball roll into goal. Betul Oil chance in the 26th minute through Ng Rahul Singh, but his weak shot went straight to custodian Thoi (AIM, Imphal).

In the second half, AIM got hold of the ball possession more than their rival Betul Oil. But most of the shot did not found the target. Gouro missed his shot goal in the 56th minuet but blasting over the bar, while AIM's Santosh shot at the goal mouth was save again on goal line by Manish Mainia and later in the 61st minuteS. Herojit lower footer shot at goal was blocked by M. Devan Singh, goal keeper of Betul Oil .

For AIM's Imphal Robinson hammered two goals through the last ten minutes of the game. He booted home the 3rd and 4th goals in the 80th and 86th minutes respectively. The best chance for Betul Oil Came in the 72nd minute but Likhumpi Sangtam shot went straight Thoi, custodian of AIM Imphal. The Match Patron was C. Kipili Sangtam, MLA and Chairman NSMDC. AIM FC now clash with defending champions TTFC in the quarter finals on November 25.

Nov-22 -1.00pm ? NEROCA, Imphal vs Peren District Football Association

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20th Royal Gold Cup 2011-Nagaland: Day-4 : Mizoram Youth Team in quarter-finals

19.11.2011: XAVIER RUTSA :: Lalruatfela dazzling four goals performance saw Mizoram Youth Team (MYT) reached the last eight stages of the 20th Royal Gold Cup. Mizoram Youth Team hammered HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles 5-1 in the second pre-quarter-finals on Saturday at local ground Kohima.

MYT's striker Lalruatfela scored four goals for his team, which credited him the second hat-trick of the tournament. HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles stormed ahead in the 38th minute through the heading goal of Daimary, to held on the till the 54th minute Down by a goal till the 54th minute, MYT found the equalizer goal in the 55th minute when the direct free-kick V. Lachhuanwma just outside the danger zone hit the cross bar to rebound for play and in the process Lalruatfela scoring the goal.

A solo effort display and brilliant foot work from Lalruatfela saw him slotting two quick goals there by making the HQ 5 AR players disarray and disbelief. He found the net in the 57th and 60th minute, 2nd and 3rd goal respectively. Again in the 78th minute, the aerial ball pass of V. Lachuanwma saw Lalruatfela striking the goal number easily beating the HQ 5 Sector AR keeper S. Tamang.

Mizoram Youth Team fired home the fifth goal in the 85th minute though Ramengmawia. Towards proceeding of the match in the second match half, HQ 5 Sector AR got two scoring chances in 63rd and 88th minutes however the shot's of T Shitilui and K Johnson could not found the goal mouth. Two players - Venlal Venima and Demolatliantlunga both from HQ 5 Sector Assam Rifles were cautioned with a yellow card in the 33rd and 51st minutes respectively for unsporting behaviour by the referee.

Mizoram Youth Team now clash with seven times champions and last year runner-up Nagaland Police in the quarterfinals. On account of Sunday their will be no match on November 20.

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20th Royal Gold Cup, Nagaland: DAY-3 :Life Sports FC in QF

18.11.2011:: XAVIER RUTSA, NAGALAND : Life Sports Football Club clinched a berth for the quarter-finals at the 20th Royal Gold Cup. Ridding on a hat-trick from Vikuzo Zhotso, Life Sports FC drubbed Mon District Sports Association (MDSA) 5-0 in the 1st pre-quart-finals match on Friday at local ground, Kohima.

Becoming the first players to notch a hat-trick Vikuzo booted home the 2nd, 4th and 5th goals in the 47th, 81st and 88th minutes of the game. He netted the second goal when his 20 yards ball shot was misjudged by MDSA Custodian Chen Wang to push into goal, the fourth goal came through a left footer shot and the fifth goal was in a peculiar fashion as his shot deflected the boots of MDSA defender Yokyeni to roll into goal.

Earlier Life Sports FC accounted their account in the 38th minute through Thangtinlen' right footer shot goal. Two of his shots in the 40th and 42nd minutes were brilliantly saved by the foot of the dividing goal keeper MDSA Chen Wang. MDSA chance came in the 32nd minute, when the cross ball shot in from far flank was well collected by Vekuto Puro, custodian of Life Sports FC.

Kobou Kiwe netted the third gaol as the long rang passed from Thangtinlen saw an unmarked Kobu slotting home the goal in the 57th minute. MDSA got two scoring chances in the 70th minute as the combine effort between Sayem and Daniel, nearly paid dividend; however Daniel failed his shot on target. A minute later Meren messed a scoring chance by blasting the ball over the bar.

One player each Chingwang (MDSA) and Novito Sale(Excel United) were cautioned with a yellow card in the 64th and 87th minutes respectively for unsporting behaviour by the referee. Life Sports Football Club now clash with Denzong Boys Gangtok Sikkim on November 23.

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Royal Gold Cup, Nagaland , DAY-2: PDFA and AIM Imphal registered facile wins..

17.11.2011:XAVIER RUTSA, NAGALAND : Peren District Football Association (PDFA) recorded a 4-1 win Naga Prege FC in the first match on Thursday at the ongoing 20th Royal Gold Cup. Naga Prege FC stormed into the lead in the 40th minute through Vitsozo's goal, after the PDFA goal keeper Peisuidibe misjudged the ball shot taken by Amujao, where in Vitsozo rushed in to push the ball into goal. However PDFA came back in the match in the dying seconds of the first half through Kethozhapu goal leveling 1-1 till lemon break.

In the 58th minute PDFA went 2-1 after the ball passed of Kethozhapu was neatly converted into goal by Asian. PDFA could have gone one more up as the shot of Khangjung was saved by Naga Prege FC keeper Renchamo. Continuing their dominance in the game, PDFA found the 3rd goal in the 68th minute as Keneisedelie long ranger shot found the target and again in the 76th minute, Kethozhapu found his name on the score-sheet, his two goals and 4th goal for PDFA to put his team in last sixteen stages where they now meet in the second match AIM FC Imphal registered a similar 4-1 win over Excel United Kohima.

Excel United Club played their first half in an unorthodox position with six defenders, though got a nice scoring opportunity which was denied by the cross bar in the 38th minute as the one to one passed of Mhasimhailie Mathew Yhome passed to Mhasielue saw his shot hit the bar.

Earlier in the 34th minute Excel United defender Akho saved certain goal, which was taken by S. Herojit of AIM Imphal. AIM Imphal break the dead-lock in the 43rd minute when Rajesh slotted the ball home into goal. His first shot was block by Ravoletuo goal keeper of Excel United; however in the rebound he could net the ball into goal.

Excel United resort parity in the 52nd minute, when Meren left-footer shot found the goal mark beating the AIM Imphal Keeper Thoi no chance to save it. However AIM Imphal replied back with two quick goals in the 56th and 58th minutes through Gouro and S. Herojit, 2nd and 3rd goals respectively for AIM Imphal taking a 3-1 lead. Excel United second goal scoring chances came in the 65th minute when the shot of Stephen inside the danger zone was saved by Thoi, custodian, AIM Imphal.

Robison netted the 4th goal for AIM Imphal in the 81st minute. One player each Tomba (AIM Imphal) and Dominic (Excel United) were awarded with a yellow card in the 51st and 85th minutes respectively by the referee.

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Day1 : Royal Gold Cup - Nagaland : HQ 5th Sector AR wins.

Head Quarters (HQ) 5th Sector Assam Rifles (AR),(Black) and Nangkiew IRAT SC Shillong(Red) posing lens with Kuzholuzo Nienu, minister for Health and Family Welfare and officials at the inaugural of the 20th Royal Gold Cup.

16.11.2011 : XAVIER TUTSA : (HQ) 5th Sector Assam Rifles (AR) 1 - 0 Nangkiew IRAT SC Shillong
SCORER : K. Johnson 20'( HQA)

Head Quarters (HQ) 5th Sector Assam Rifles (AR), Nagaland annexed victory in the lung opener encounter of the 20th Royal Gold Cup, played under the theme "Basics of HIV &AIDS". In the 1st match of the tournament Head Quarters 5th Sector Assam Rifles, Nagaland edged out Nangkiew IRAT SC Shillong by a lone goal. K. Johnson netted the all important goal in the 20th minute of the match for his team Head Quarter 5th Sector Assam Rifles.

HQ 5th Sector AR nearly found another goal in the 39th minute when the long ranged shot around 35 yards taken by Venlal Venima hit the cross bar. The visiting Shillong team could have won the match but several scoring chance which came their way was missed on target, specially in the 11th minute and 42nd minutes the shot's of Alforster Sunn was brilliantly saved by HQ 5th Sector AR Goal keeper S. Tamang. Shalan Umdar also missed two setters in the 18th and 65th minutes by flopping his shot wide out of the goal mouth.

Again in the 76th minute, the shilling missed a certain chance as the cross ball from Shalam Umadar was messed by their strikers Teibohlang Shabang and Bantharai Sunn to kick the ball out of play. MT Mushrai of HQ 5 Sector AR was cautioned with yellow card in the 78 th minute for unsporting behavior. In the injury added time HQ 5th Sector AR virtually got a free scoring however Jayaudin fumbled his shot at the last moment.

Earlier the tournament was declared by opened Kuzholuzo Nienu, minister for Health and Family Welfare. The welcome address was delivered by Er. Kropi Natso, Convener Royal Gold Cup and the invocation prayer by Rev. Zakie Peseyie, President ABCC Deacon. Fifteen teams are taking part in the tournament The Royal Gold Cup is first and only football tournament in Nagaland to be recognized by the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF) in 1996.The tournament is played on knock-out basis. The final will take place on December 1.

Later talking to media persons during the half time, the Minister said that the Royal Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in Nagaland and expressed his happiness that Royal Club has tied with NSACS to create awareness to all. He said that there is no better way than sports and music to make a stand and spread awareness against AIDS. The Minister said that although the prevalence rate of AIDS has lower down to 0.78%, there is still a lot of room for improvement.

Commissioner & Secretary Health & Family Welfare, Menukhol John also while interacting with the media said that the issues of AIDS is not only a Health department's issue but is also a social issue and called upon all to fight against the disease and stop stigma and discrimination against people living with AIDS. He also said that NSACS is trying to create awareness against AIDS in every platform.

NEXT MATCH

Nov 17 - 11.00 am : Naga Prege Kohima vs Peren District Sports Association
Nov 17 -1.00 pm : IAM FC Imphal Manipur vs Excel United Kohima

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