NSF Trophy: Sechü Zubza FC defeat Red Scars to enter Semi-Finals

Defending champions Sechü Zubza Football Club (SZFC) booked their place in the semi-finals of the ongoing 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy after defeating former champions Red Scars FC 2–0 in the second quarter-final match played at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on Friday.
The keenly contested encounter saw both sides locked in a goalless battle through regular time, with Red Scars displaying solid defensive discipline while SZFC kept pressing for an opening. However, the defending champions broke the deadlock in the closing minutes of extra time when Lalminglu Vankal (jersey no. 51) found the net in the 90+16th minute. Just three minutes later, Thejasetuo Gwirie (no. 7) sealed the victory for SZFC with another goal in the 90+19th minute, securing their place in the semi-finals. Lalminglu Vankal was adjudged Player of the Match for his crucial performance and was presented the award by the match patron, Commissioner & Secretary, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Anthony Ngullie.
With this victory, Sechü Zubza FC advance to the semi-final, where they will face Chedema Village Youth Organisation (CVYO) in the first semi-final match on October 15.
Earlier in their campaign, SZFC had entered the tournament directly from the pre-quarter-final stage, where they faced Ward-19 in a tough match that ended goalless (0–0) in regulation time. The defending champions eventually prevailed 3–1 in the penalty shootout to book their quarter-final berth. Red Scars FC, also entering from the pre-quarter-final stage, had earlier cruised past Michazou FC with a dominant 5–0 win. Despite showing promise, the former champions fell short against a composed Sechü Zubza side in Saturday’s clash.
The tournament continues to build momentum as it moves into the semi-final phase, with top teams now vying for a place in the grand finale of the prestigious 25th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy.