The stage is set for the ultimate title match of the 5th Mokokchung Inter-ward Football Tournament, and anticipation runs high as two former champions prepare to clash once again. Arkong Ward, winners of the inaugural edition, will face off against the second edition champions, Artang Ward, on Saturday, 23 March, at the Imkongmeren Sport Complex. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm.
In the gripping semifinal showdown on Thursday, Arkong Ward secured their spot in the final by defeating strong contenders Sungkomen Ward with a solitary goal. Sungkomen, who had been performing impressively throughout the tournament, were halted in their tracks by Arkong’s determined play.
The previous four editions of the tournament had seen four different champions, with a new ward winning the title every other year, and it looked like Sungkomen ward was on course to continue this pattern until their defeat by Arkong on Thursday, altering the course of the competition.
Nevertheless, the presence of former champions Arkong and Artang in the final adds an extra layer of excitement. Both teams, having tasted victory in 2019 and 2021 respectively, are eager to etch their names in the tournament’s history as two-time champions. With both sides boasting strong lineups and maintaining flawless records throughout the ongoing tournament, the final match promises to be a mouthwatering contest for football enthusiasts as the two battle it out to prove their dominance in Mokokchung’s grassroots football.
The semifinal clash between Arkong and Sungkomen was a thrilling affair that had spectators on the edge of their seats. Arkong almost totally dominated the first half of the match but they failed to make the breakthrough despite a number of shots on goal. However, Sungkomen rallied after halftime and took control of the game but failed to capitalize on their chances. Despite superior ball possession, Sungkomen also failed to find the back of the net.
As Sungkomen kept pressing forward to strike the goal and find the winner, Arkong made a tactical counterattack and Tajungsang neatly capitalized on a cross from Sunep in the 62nd minute, lodging the ball past the Sungkomen goalie with a header.
Following this setback, Sungkomen was unable to mount a comeback, allowing Arkong to see out the remainder of the match and secure their spot in the final.
The intensity of the match led to several players receiving bookings for fouls, including Longshin, Talitemsu, and Bendangtoshi of Arkong, as well as Takosangba and Aotoshi of Sungkomen.
The upcoming Arkong-Artang showdown will be a rematch of the thrilling final from the inaugural tournament in 2019, where Arkong emerged victorious with a solitary goal in extra time.
The tournament was not played in 2020 due to the pandemic-induced lockdown.
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