Mongsenbai ward won the 3rd Mokokchung Inter-Ward Football Tournament, which was organised by Marepkong Youth Association under the theme “Towards Excellence”. Mangla Imchen, the District Sports Officer attended the closing ceremony as the guest of honour at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex on Saturday.
“Football is not just a game, it is an emotion, and this game has the power to unite people and bring people together,” Imchen stated during his speech to the players. Furthermore, he urged all young players not to give up on their aspirations and to continue to enjoy the game. “You can only realize your aspirations if you devote your heart and discipline yourself,” he added.
He also praised the Marepkong Youth Association for arranging not just the tournament but also several coaching camps throughout the year, adding that their efforts will not be in vain and will bear fruit in the days ahead.
Mongsenbai Ward register historic title win as they come from behind to secure a comprehensive 4-1 win over Dilong Ward
Dilong’s Toshiwapang capitalized on a dreadful error by Mongsenbai’s goalie Jongshi to draw first blood in the 19th minute of the first half of the final match but Mongsenbai’s forward Toshinungsang powered home on two separate occasions shortly after, scoring the equalizer in the 24th minute and giving his team the leadin the 33rd minute.Mongsenbai’s Imnatoshi scored through a superb volley in the 35th minute of the game securing a deal for the team in the first half itself.
With nothing to lose in the second half, Mongsenbai made multiple offensive attacks from outside the Box, and their attempts yielded dividends when Menjur scored the fourth and final goal for Mongsenbai in the 75th minute. It was all but over for Dilong and it looked like there was no way for them to get back into the game from there despite scoring the first goal in the match. A downhearted Dilong team could not do much as defensive setbacks and uncoordinated passes meant goalie Imtisashi had to deal with the onslaught of Mongsenbai forwards in multiple occasions.
The Champions were awarded with a trophy, certificates and a prize money of `50,000 while the runners-up were awarded certificates and cash prize of `30,000. Four individual prizes were given a cash prize of `2,000 and special gift hamper sponsored by Liso, Health and beauty brand, Nagaland.
The following individual prizes were given:
Best Goal Keeper: Molongnenba of Mongsenbai Ward
Best Defender: Molutsupong of Sangtemla Ward
Highest Scorer: Opanglemzung of Tongdentsuyong Ward
Player of the Tournament: Moakaba of Dilong Ward
Champion: Mongsenbai Ward
Runner-up: Dilong Ward
