Kuki SC thrashed Golngai FC 1-0 in ZNNPJC 2023 Final

🔖 Zomi Nam Ni Platinum Jubilee Cup 2023

Hip Hip Hurray for the champ Kuki Sporting Club! 

KSC emerged champions and claimed Rs. 3 Lakh

Abelson Jachi and Paokhongam Haokip claiming individual honour

📝 By: Seiminlun Kipgen
February 16, 2023 (Thursday)
===================

KUKI Sporting Club released another strong message that they are more than ready for the upcoming Manipur State League as second-half goal by Haotinsem earned them a 1-0 victory over passionate Golngai FC in yesterday's final match of the Zomi Nam Ni Platinum Jubilee Cup 2023 played in front of a record crowd at Lamka Public Ground, Hiangtam Lamka, Churachandpur.

The historic final match cum Closing Ceremony was graced by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Hon'ble Minister, MAHUD, RD & PR, Govt. of Manipur; LM Khaute, Hon'ble MLA & Chairman, Committee on Public Undertakings, Govt. of Manipur; Vungzagin Valte, Hon'ble MLA & Advisor to Chief Minister, Govt. of Manipur and GS Haupu, Ex-MLA & Chief Co-ordinator, Zomi Nam Ni Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee, 2023 as Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Functional President and Chief Host respectively.

Much more than what the crowd anticipated, the match was played with zeal, high-intensity and strong ambition as the two sides exhibited box-to-box battle throughout the 90 minutes and despite Golngai FC having more command of the game for the vast majority of the match, it was Kuki Sporting Club (KSC) who claimed the much needed win thanks to a 55th minute goal by Haotinsem after fine work by Seineo Kuki and Solomon Mangte.

The highly anticipated match began with Golngai FC making a brighter start and within 3 minutes into the match, Henry Kamei forced KSC goalkeeper Thangtinlen into action with a fine left-foot shot from outside the box. Unlike other typical final which lacked strong enthusiasm, yesterday's final match was a high-intensity final match with both sides showing strong passion and adventure. However, despite the match played with high pace, much of the actions were confined in midfield as neither side produced clear-cut chance to open the deadlock and despite Golngai FC creating numerous promising moves, they failed to bring KSC goalkeeper into dangerous position and the first-half ended goalless but entertaining draw.

The second-half saw KSC showing more intent for goal and soon they put themselves on the front foot as Haotinsem reacted quickest to pounce home from close-range in the 55th minute after Golngai FC goalkeeper Khaiminlen Haokip failed to deal a cross by Seineo Kuki and got the ball spilt away from his grasp. The goal caused wrath to Golngai FC and they revamped their attack with the introduction of electrifying Munglunthang @ Muri and the change almost paid off immediately as the substitute caused constant havoc to KSC defence and with time waning down, Golngai FC got their best chance of the game towards the closing stages of the match but Khanngam Horam slammed an effort just over the cross bar after smart turning and moments later Muri had another shot denied by KSC goalkeeper Thangtinlen and the match ended 1-0 in favour of KSC.

KSC's Haotinsem, who scored the winning goal and also who proved a constant obstacle for every Golngai FC attack and more particularly keeping winger Worchuipei Kashung in his pocket was adjudged Joy Enterprise's Man-of-the-final match.

Kuki Sporting Club emerged champions and received a Trophy with Rs. 3 Lakh while Golngai FC had to content with Rs. 1 Lakh. Losing semi-finalists and quarter-finalists were also consoled with Rs. 25,000/- and Rs. 15,000/- respectively.

📃 Roll of Honours:
🏆 Champions – Kuki Sporting Club.
🥇 Runners-Up: Golngai FC.
🏓 Player-of-the-Tournament: Abelson Jachi (J/No. 11) of Football 4 Change.
⚽ Top-Scorer: Paokhongam (4 goals in just 1 match) of UKB.
🥊 Best Goalkeeper: Khaiminlen Haokip of Golngai FC.

All individual award winners got branded game-boot along with Rs. 3,000 cash.

📃 Final Match Starting XIs 

KSC
1. Thangtinlen (GK).
2. Seiminhao (22).
3. Lamkholen (12).
4. Lenminlun (23).
5. Lallenmang Sitlhou (4).
6. Ginminthang Hangshing (7).
7. Solomon Mangte (27).
8. Haotinsem (30).
9. Seineo Kuki (14).
10. Ginkholen Haokip (10).
11. Lungousem Kipgen (8).

Golngai FC
1. Khaiminlen Haokip (GK).
2. Lenboi (4).
3.  Dangmei Goupulan (10).
4. Carlos Thangkhanlen (17).
5. Henry Thanglalmuan (6).
6. Worchuipei Kashung (7).
7. Thangtinlen Haokip (11).
8. Henry Kamei (30).
9. Paogoumang Singson (9).
10. Khanngam Horam (20).
11.  Premjit Singh (18). 

Share: