Junior Boys National Football Championship 2024-25

Nagaland blanks Andaman & Nicobar 11-0

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 5 

Nagaland today blanked Andaman & Nicobar 11-0 in its last round match at the ongoing Junior Boys National Football Championship 2024-25 (Dr. B.C Trophy) at Nagaon, Assam.

Naphan opened the account for Nagaland team in the 8th minutes and later connected another four goals.

Thangginhao Singson contributed two goals while Moamanen, Neihelie Mepfhuo, Hokhovi Rhetso and Joseph Lokido Janger netted a goal each for the team.

Though it convincing wins today against Andaman & Nicobar, yet Nagaland could not found spot for semi-final as Manipur won against Lakshadweep 3-0.

Out of four matches, Nagaland won 2 matches and 2 draw match.

Earlier, it its first match, Nagaland defeated Lakshadweep 7-0 on July 30. A draw match to Haryana 2-2 on August 1 and to Manipur 4-4 on August 3 last.

Meanwhile, Nagaland team head coach Khwetelhi Thopi thanked fellow coach and management staff for given their best service to the state team.

“I’m so proud of our boys for displaying good football to the rest of the country,” he said.

“It was a hard luck for our state team as we could not proceed to the semi final, despite dominating in every match,” he said.
Our boys played the best and quality football. They are the future of our state football,  we need to   give them more training and exposure in the coming days, Thopi said.

He said that some of them has good chances to get in some big clubs and “we are working on it.”

We will come back stronger in the next edition, he said.

Thopi felt that Nagaland football should focus more on grassroots program, adding “the more grassroots development we do the more quality players we can produce.” “Now,  Nagaland has more than 100 coaches. If we all work together our state football is in a safe hand,” he added.

Meanwhile, he thanked Nagaland Football Association for given opportunity and “believing in us.”

He also thanked all the people back home for their moral support and prayers.

Nagaland team consist 19 players along with 4 officials (Head Coach- Khwetelhi Thopi, Assistant Coach- Kechi Kulimbe, Team Manager- Azho Sophie and Zakielatuo Seletsu as Physio.