The teams, which took part in the match, were Hope and Faith and the match was witnessed by thousands of people.  Hope team comprised of Naga National workers (NSCN/ GPRN, NSCN(IM) , PSG and FGN) and Faith team comprised of Civil societies and the church ( NPMHR , NSF, FNR , ENPO , ENSF , NCF and Naga Hoho). Notably, as the match started in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere without any armed security arrangements except for the checking and frisking of spectators at the entrance by the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) volunteers, spectators from all walks of life poured into the ground.

The match lasted for seventy minutes, Faith team scoring three goals, while Hope team netting one goal. Faith team scored through Rev. Dr. Wati Aier (FNR) in the 18th minute (1st goal), Rev. C. Lima (Church) in the 22nd minute (2nd goal) and Toshi Wungthung (ENPO) in the 57th minute (3rd goal). Hope team scored its lone goal through Shangti Konyak, Deputy Kilonser (NSCN-IM) in the 41st minute.   

Rev. Zhabu Terhiija, President NCF said: “It is a sign of Hope and Reconciliation and is the culmination of the efforts and prayers of many people which includes civil societies, Churches and National Workers (Undergrounds). “Though we may not all play the game well as  professionals, as it is a game shared by all and we all enjoy it and if this game can be used for bringing about peace and understanding among our infighting national workers( Undergrounds) it serves its purpose” Rev Terhuja added.

He explained that this football match was a follow up of the Third Chiangmai (Thailand) Summit which was also supported by Quakers and other International Church organizations.

Viketouca Belho, an eleventh year old Class V student read a message – “Give us our future”, a passage from the scriptures was read by Rev. Fr. Neisalhou Carlous, a  mass prayer was conducted by Rev Dr. T. Nyekha and white balloons were released by Kheshili  President Naga Mothers Association (NMA), signifying “peace”.

Talking to reporters Rev. Dr. Wati Aier, Principal of Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) said that the process of Naga reconciliation is moving in the right direction and with the enthusiasm shown by the Naga underground groups one can visualize that something will surely evolve in the near future. “We are on the right track, we are making progress but this does not necessarily mean that killings will stop. I think we can confidently say that we have walked the long way and we still have a long way to go” he added.

Akato Chophy, Deputy Kilonser (minister), NSCN/ GPRN: said  “I feel happy because I heard the voice of the Naga public saying that they want us to reconcile. I see the smile on the faces of the people and I feel that 100 percent of the Nagas will be very happy if we are reconciled,” adding  “The Government of India should listen to the voice of the people and when we start coming together, and the Nagas come under one umbrella organization, the GOI will have no other option but to listen to us”

Ringthem Rongmei Deputy kilonser (minister)  NSCN (IM) said all Nagas are playing a political game in ‘different teams’ and admitted that they had one nation, one issue and hence needed to be one team. “This role was being played out through the football match,” he maintained.

Toshi Wungtung, ENPO: “It is definitely a positive step. It is a longing and a cry of the people. I think it is a challenge for the national workers and the political parties”.

The entire function was compeered by Mr. Xavier Rutsa, senior journalist and Ms. Asano Zashumo.  The football match was officiated by Shiirho-o Solo, Kutu Sekhose, Neingusalie Medom, Vizopal Chaya and Lhouliebeio Khezhie, all senior referees from the state.

It was also obvious that the leaders were heartened and awed by the unprecedented turnout of the crowd as people were seen lined up in long, serpentine queues waiting to be frisked before entering the venue. 

As soon as the match got over  all players held hands , formed a “Circle” in the centre of the ground with a “Cross” in the middle which was carried by church  leaders Rev Kari , Suosahie, Khonbemo, Medohii and Captain Dawmlianga, and joined a  mass prayer. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. Chen Rengma.