Three former champions of the tournament were in the fray but only two survived as the knockout stages of the 5th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament began on Monday.
With Longkhoi scoring in the 10th minute for Mongsenbai Ward, the title defense campaign for defending champions Sangtemla Ward ended in the ongoing 5th Mokokchung Inter-ward Football Tournament played at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.
Longkhoi shared his excitement with Mokokchung Times following the win, stating, “All glory to God…it was a tough match for us but we did our best to win the match and we did it. Hope and pray to win the semifinal match too.” The 2022 champions Mongsenbai are now just two matches away from lifting the trophy again.
Earlier in the first quarterfinal match between Artang Ward and Majakong Ward, the 2021 champions defeated Majakong Ward 3-1. Majakong Ward drew first blood as Imkongnungkum scored the first goal of the match in the 15th minute but Alemjungba equalized for Artang ward in the 26th minute. After negating the deficit in the first half, Artang ward carried the momentum to the second half of the match and managed to find the back of the net two more times. Chubalemba scored both goals in the second half at the 53 and 65 minute marks to seal the team’s victory. Chubalemba was, however, booked for foul play. Bendangkokba and Kajenkaba of Majakong ward were also shown the yellow card.
Inter-Ward Football Tournament in Mokokchung witnesses unique community support
In an attempt to uplift the spirits of the youth and also to demonstrate support for local grassroots football, the Arkong Ward Yimden (Authority) and Rongpang Riju (Youth Association) were heard appealing to the residents of the ward through loudspeakers Monday evening, urging residents to show up for the ongoing 5th Mokokchung Inter Ward Football Tournament held at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung to support the Arkong Ward Football Team during their quarter final match against Alempang ward on Tuesday.
Arkong Ward won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2019 and is set to face Alempang Ward in the third quarterfinal match of the ongoing tournament on Tuesday, 19 March at 1:00 pm.
Past Winners:
2019 – Arkong Ward
2021 – Artang Ward
2022 – Mongsenbai Ward
2023 – Sangtemla Ward