KOHIMA — In the final of the 24th NSF Martyrs’ Memorial Trophy played at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima, Sechü Zubza FC claimed the title on Saturday afternoon. This edition featured 43 teams from Nagaland and Manipur competing for the coveted trophy. Sechü Zubza FC quickly took control of the match, with Thejasetuo Gwire opening the scoring in the 4th minute. Khiuwangbo Kaurinta then doubled the lead in the 19th minute, putting the team firmly in the driver’s seat. However, a dramatic turn occurred in nearly stoppage time of the first half, when Hemping of Sechü Zubza FC received a red card after accumulating two yellow cards. This left the team to play with ten men for the remainder of the match. In the second half, Asüfü Football Academy (AFA) from Manipur capitalised on their numerical advantage. Suzülo Mao found the back of the net in the 58th minute, setting up a tense final half-hour. However, despite relentless pressure from AFA, Sechü Zubza FC’s defence held firm, maintaining their lead until the final whistle. Sechü Zubza FC’s victory earned them a prize of INR 3,00,000, along with the trophy and a citation. Asüfü Football Academy, despite their valiant effort, had...