Chümoukedima beat Peren district in a thrilling football final via shoot out 3-1 to add gold medal to their tally after the score remained 3-3 in the regulated and in the extra time at Nagaland Police Training School (NPTS) ground, Chümoukedima on Wednesday.
The final match also drew a captivating of around 5000 spectators.
Though Peren were excellent with their short passes they failed to match with the physical stature of Chümoukedima. Also, taking advantage of the home ground, Chümoukedima players adopted aerial playstyle and succeeded as two of their goals came through corner kicks.
Peren, who started as favourite, dominated the match early on but Chümoukedima seized the opportunity with an unexpected opening goal, when Peren goalkeeper failed to clear the corner kick in the 11th minute.
Through trailing by a goal, Peren players kept their composure and with a well-executed counter-attack, levelled the score 1-1.
Right after a minute, Chümoukedima minutes missed a golden chance to take the lead. The first half ended in 1-1 draw. The second half also saw Peren starting strongly, but their efforts were initially thwarted. However, they managed to break Chümoukedima’s defense line with a goal from jersey number 31 in the 48th minute. Chümoukedima also responded emphatically, equalizing once more from another corner kick taken by jersey number 19 in the 64th minute. Seizing the momentum, Chümoukedima surged ahead with a spectacular goal on the counter-attack, capitalizing on a defensive error by Peren’s jersey number 4 and Jersey number 18 of Chümoukedima extended their lead with a header in the 71st minute.
Peren players, fought back valiantly, levelling the score once more with a stunning volley into the net by jersey number 18 in the 80th minute. Amidst the competitive matchup, several players from both ends received yellow cards for reckless challenges and dissent.
As the clock ticked towards the end of the regulated time, Chümoukedima yet again missed a golden opportunity to clinch victory with a free header, which could have been the winning goal.
With the score deadlocked at 3-3 even after extra time, the winner was decided via penalty shootout. Peren’s hope were dashed as their first two shooters failed to find the back of the net, allowing Chümoukedima to secure a hard fought 3-1 victory.
The final match witnessed Peren registering nine shots on target compared to Chümoukedima’s five. Earlier in the third-place match, Phek beat defending champion Dimapur 2-1 to claim the bronze medal. The final match was graced by advisor for Industries & Commerce, Government of Nagaland, Hekani Jakhalu, as the chief guest. The medals were presented by secretary general of Nagaland Olympic Association, Abu Metha.
